The Michigan Attorney Discipline Board has issued a 30-day suspension of Joseph Anthony Paparella (P64848) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, following a felony conviction and a consent resolution of disciplinary proceedings.
The suspension was imposed pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 9.115 and MCR 9.120(B)(1).
🔗 Michigan Court Rules – Chapter 9 (Attorney Discipline)
Case Overview
Paparella and the Grievance Administrator filed a Stipulation for Consent Order of a 30-Day Suspension under MCR 9.115(F)(5). The stipulation was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by Kent County Hearing Panel #3.
The matter arose from criminal proceedings in Kent County Circuit Court.
Underlying Convictions
According to the notice, Paparella was convicted by jury verdict on August 30, 2024, of:
- Assault with a dangerous weapon (felony), in violation of MCL 750.82
- Reckless driving (misdemeanor), in violation of MCL 257.626
(State of Michigan v Joseph Anthony Paparella, Kent County Circuit Court, Case No. 23-03822-FH)
Under MCR 9.120(B)(1), Paparella’s license to practice law in Michigan was automatically suspended on August 30, 2024, the date of his felony conviction.
Rules Violated
Based on Paparella’s admissions and the parties’ stipulation, the hearing panel found that he:
- Engaged in conduct that violated a criminal law of a state, in violation of MCR 9.104(5)
- Engaged in conduct involving a violation of the criminal law that reflects adversely on a lawyer’s fitness as a lawyer, constituting professional misconduct under MRPC 8.4(b)
Discipline Imposed
The Attorney Discipline Board ordered that:
- Joseph Anthony Paparella be suspended for 30 days, effective August 30, 2024
- The suspension period corresponds to the date of his automatic interim suspension
- Costs were assessed in the amount of $769.68
Reinstatement:
Paparella was reinstated to the practice of law in Michigan on October 7, 2025, pursuant to an Order of Reinstatement.
Why This Matters
This case underscores the automatic and disciplinary consequences that follow felony convictions for licensed attorneys. Even when reinstatement later occurs, criminal conduct that implicates violence and public safety remains squarely within the scope of professional discipline, reflecting the profession’s obligation to public trust and fitness to practice.
