The Michigan Attorney Discipline Board has suspended Thomas J. Wilson (P33071) of Lexington, Michigan, for two years, effective November 14, 2025, following a hearing panel’s findings that he committed professional misconduct in a client matter, violated court discipline rules, and failed to cooperate with the disciplinary process.
Background: Discipline Violations and Default
According to the formal notice of suspension, Wilson failed to file an answer to a grievance complaint, leading the Grievance Administrator to enter his default on May 13, 2025. Based on that default, the hearing panel found that Wilson neglected a client’s legal matter and violated multiple Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and Michigan Court Rules governing attorney conduct and discipline.
Counts included:
- Neglect and lack of diligence in a client matter, violating core professional duties.
- Failure to keep a client reasonably informed and comply with reasonable client requests.
- Charging or collecting an illegal or clearly excessive fee.
- Failure to protect client interests when representation ended.
- Multiple violations of basic ethics and professional standards, including conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice and conduct exposing the legal profession to contempt or reproach.
- Failure to respond to lawful requests for information from disciplinary authorities.
- Violations of suspension compliance requirements under Michigan Court Rule 9.119, including failing to notify clients, courts, and opposing parties of a prior suspension and holding himself out as an attorney while suspended.
These findings reflect failures that extend beyond procedural missteps and implicate fundamental duties owed to clients and the courts.
Panel Order and Sanctions
After reviewing the misconduct and default, the hearing panel ordered that:
- Wilson’s license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for two years, effective November 14, 2025.
- He pay restitution of $750.00 to the affected client.
- He be assessed $1,866.88 in costs related to the disciplinary proceedings.
The discipline was imposed pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 9.115.
What This Means
This case underscores how repeated failures to comply with professional duties and disciplinary requirements can result in significant sanctions. Attorneys are obligated not only to represent clients competently and honestly, but also to engage with the oversight mechanisms that exist to protect the public and maintain confidence in the legal system.
Failure to do so carries consequences.
