The Michigan Attorney Discipline Board has disbarred Robert A. Canner (P11572) of Southfield, Michigan, and ordered him to pay $59,836.00 in restitution after finding that he intentionally misappropriated client funds and engaged in multiple acts of professional misconduct.
The decision followed hearings conducted under Michigan Court Rule 9.115, and was later affirmed in full by the Attorney Discipline Board after appellate review.
🔗 Michigan Court Rules – Chapter 9 (Attorney Discipline, including MCR 9.115)
🔗 Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct (PDF)
Case Overview
- Respondent: Robert A. Canner, P11572
- Location: Southfield, Michigan
- Case Number: 23-83-GA
- Hearing Panel: Tri-County Hearing Panel #59
- Effective Date of Disbarment: April 16, 2025
Following evidentiary hearings, the panel found that Mr. Canner intentionally misappropriated client funds, failed to properly communicate with clients, and failed to protect client interests at the conclusion of representation.
Findings of Misconduct
The hearing panel found violations of multiple provisions of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, including:
- MRPC 1.4(a) – Failure to keep clients reasonably informed and comply with requests for information
- MRPC 1.5(a) – Charging or collecting excessive fees
- MRPC 1.5(c) – Failure to put a contingent-fee agreement in writing and explain the method of fee calculation
- MRPC 1.15(b)(3) – Failure to promptly pay funds clients were entitled to receive
- MRPC 1.15(d) – Failure to keep client funds separate from personal funds
- MRPC 1.15(f) – Improper handling of personal funds in a trust account
- MRPC 1.16(d) – Failure to protect client interests upon termination of representation
- MRPC 8.4(a) and MCR 9.104(4) – Conduct violating professional standards
- MRPC 8.4(b) – Conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation
- MCR 9.104(2) – Conduct exposing the profession or courts to reproach
- MCR 9.104(3) – Conduct contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals
The violations spanned multiple counts and multiple clients, with intentional misuse of funds forming the core of the misconduct.
Discipline and Financial Penalties
The hearing panel ordered that:
- Robert A. Canner be disbarred, effective April 16, 2025
- Restitution totaling $59,836.00 be paid to affected clients
- Costs of $3,880.08 be assessed at the panel level
Mr. Canner filed a timely petition for review on April 14, 2025. After proceedings conducted under MCR 9.118, the Attorney Discipline Board affirmed the disbarment and restitution in full.
- Additional Board-level costs: $192.50
- Total costs assessed: $4,096.84
Why This Matters
Intentional misappropriation of client funds is among the most serious violations in attorney discipline. This case underscores that such conduct not only results in permanent removal from the practice of law, but also carries substantial restitution and cost obligations that survive disbarment.
The Board’s full affirmance reinforces the system’s treatment of financial misconduct as a fundamental breach of public trust.
