Attorney Deborah K. Schlussel Suspended for 30 Days Following Misconduct Findings in Compassionate Release Matters
Michigan attorney Deborah K. Schlussel, P 56420, was suspended for 30 days after misconduct findings arising from two separate compassionate release representations. The suspension became effective January 10, 2026. Public Attorney Discipline Board records now also list reinstatement on February 9, 2026.
The original post reported the 30-day suspension. The current Attorney Discipline Board S-name index lists three public discipline entries for Schlussel: a reprimand dated December 4, 2020, a 30-day suspension dated January 10, 2026, and a reinstatement dated February 9, 2026.
| Attorney | Deborah K. Schlussel |
| P Number | P 56420 |
| Case Number | 23-093-GA |
| County | Oakland |
| City | Southfield, Michigan |
| Discipline | 30-day suspension |
| Effective Date | January 10, 2026 |
| Current Public Index Update | Reinstatement listed February 9, 2026 |
| Costs | $3,143.76 |
The discipline involved two separate compassionate release representations.
The hearing panel found misconduct tied to neglect, diligence, communication, and protection of client interests after termination of representation.
Schlussel sought Board review, reconsideration, and Supreme Court review before the suspension took effect.
The Michigan Supreme Court denied leave to appeal on December 19, 2025, and the suspension became effective January 10, 2026.
The public ADB index now lists reinstatement on February 9, 2026.
Discipline Summary
The Attorney Discipline Board ordered the 30-day suspension of Deborah K. Schlussel’s Michigan law license following misconduct findings arising from her representation of two clients in separate compassionate release matters.
Although the suspension was stayed while Schlussel pursued review, reconsideration, and Supreme Court review, the discipline became effective January 10, 2026, after the Michigan Supreme Court denied leave to appeal. The public Attorney Discipline Board index now reflects that the suspension period ended with reinstatement listed on February 9, 2026.
The current public-record status matters. A 30-day suspension is not the same thing as an ongoing suspension. The discipline remains part of the public record, but the ADB’s public index shows reinstatement after the suspension period.
Applicable Court Rules
This matter proceeded under Michigan Court Rules and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct governing attorney diligence, communication, client protection, and professional misconduct.
Underlying Conduct
Following a hearing conducted pursuant to MCR 9.115, Tri-County Hearing Panel #55 found that Schlussel committed professional misconduct in connection with her representation of two clients in separate compassionate release matters.
The panel found that Schlussel neglected legal matters entrusted to her, failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, failed to keep clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters, and failed in one matter to take reasonable steps to protect a client’s interests upon termination of representation.
Hearing Panel Findings
Based on the evidence presented, the panel found violations of MRPC 1.1(c), MRPC 1.3, and MRPC 1.4(a) in Counts One and Two. The panel also found a violation of MRPC 1.16(d) in Count One.
The panel further found violations of MCR 9.104(1)-(3) and MRPC 8.4(b) in both matters. The panel ordered a 30-day suspension of Schlussel’s license.
Sanction and Review History
Schlussel timely sought review of the hearing panel’s decision and received a stay pursuant to MCR 9.115(K). After proceedings under MCR 9.118, the Attorney Discipline Board issued an order affirming in part and vacating in part the findings of misconduct, while affirming the 30-day suspension.
Schlussel’s subsequent motion for reconsideration was denied on August 8, 2025. An application for leave to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court was denied on December 19, 2025. Pursuant to MCR 9.122(C), the suspension became effective January 10, 2026.
Costs were assessed in the total amount of $3,143.76.
Why This Matters
This case highlights the professional obligations attorneys owe to clients in time-sensitive and high-stakes matters, including compassionate release proceedings. Compassionate release cases often involve illness, age, prison conditions, sentencing consequences, and urgent client communication. Delay and silence can carry consequences beyond ordinary case-management problems.
It also illustrates how Michigan’s attorney discipline system provides layered review through hearing panels, the Attorney Discipline Board, and the Michigan Supreme Court. Even when discipline is delayed by appellate review, affirmed sanctions take effect once those processes conclude.
The July 2026 update adds the missing endpoint: the discipline remains part of Schlussel’s public record, but the ADB’s public index now lists reinstatement on February 9, 2026.
Discipline Timeline Explorer
Tap each point to follow how the matter moved from hearing-panel findings to public reinstatement.
Tri-County Hearing Panel #55 found misconduct.
The findings centered on two compassionate release representations and included neglect, lack of diligence, communication failures, and one finding tied to protecting client interests after termination.
The sanction was reviewed before taking effect.
Schlussel sought Board review, reconsideration, and Supreme Court review. The suspension was stayed during review, then became effective after the Michigan Supreme Court denied leave to appeal.
The public index now lists reinstatement.
The ADB S-name index lists suspension on January 10, 2026 and reinstatement on February 9, 2026. That means the suspension is a completed disciplinary event, not an active suspension based on the current public index.
Rule Violation Map
This tool turns the rule list into a plain-language client harm map.
Compassionate Release Risk Scanner
Compassionate release work is time-sensitive. These are the pressure points the discipline record makes visible.
Was Deborah K. Schlussel suspended?
Yes. The Attorney Discipline Board public index lists a 30-day suspension effective January 10, 2026.
Is the suspension still active?
The current ADB S-name index lists reinstatement on February 9, 2026. This article therefore treats the suspension as a completed disciplinary event unless a newer official record states otherwise.
What were the misconduct findings about?
The findings arose from two compassionate release representations and involved neglect, lack of diligence, failure to keep clients reasonably informed, and one failure to protect a client’s interests upon termination of representation.
Were costs imposed?
Yes. Costs totaling $3,143.76 were assessed.
Bluebook: Williams, Rita. Attorney Deborah K. Schlussel Suspended for 30 Days Following Misconduct Findings in Compassionate Release Matters, Clutch Justice (Feb. 18, 2026, updated July 2, 2026), https://clutchjustice.com/2026/02/18/deborah-schlussel-30-day-suspension-compassionate-release/.
APA 7: Williams, R. (2026, February 18; updated 2026, July 2). Attorney Deborah K. Schlussel suspended for 30 days following misconduct findings in compassionate release matters. Clutch Justice. https://clutchjustice.com/2026/02/18/deborah-schlussel-30-day-suspension-compassionate-release/
MLA 9: Williams, Rita. “Attorney Deborah K. Schlussel Suspended for 30 Days Following Misconduct Findings in Compassionate Release Matters.” Clutch Justice, 18 Feb. 2026, updated 2 July 2026, clutchjustice.com/2026/02/18/deborah-schlussel-30-day-suspension-compassionate-release/.
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