January 2026 Michigan Attorney Discipline Roundup: Disbarments and Suspensions

Disbarred for misappropriation of client funds. Criminal convictions arising from the financial misconduct are part of the underlying record. A petition for review remains pending before the Attorney Discipline Board.

Disbarred following a federal felony conviction for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. Monville also failed to notify disciplinary authorities of the conviction, a separate violation. His license had been suspended since 2018.

Disbarred for neglect of multiple client matters, failure to communicate, failure to refund unearned fees, and failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities. Failure to cooperate is a recurring aggravating factor in Michigan disbarment cases.

Suspended for ineffective assistance of counsel in a criminal matter, following a judicial finding of ineffective assistance. The misconduct included failure to prepare, failure to communicate with the client, and misrepresentation. Discipline originating from a court’s ineffective assistance finding is a less common pathway in Michigan attorney regulation.

Suspended for misconduct in two compassionate release representations. Discipline was affirmed after review by both the Board and the Michigan Supreme Court.

Suspended following a criminal conviction for operating while impaired, compounded by failure to notify disciplinary authorities of the conviction and default for failure to appear in the disciplinary proceeding.

Suspended by consent following a misdemeanor conviction for operating while visibly impaired. Resolved through stipulated discipline without a contested hearing.

Reprimanded for misconduct while serving as Chief of Operations for the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, including a misdemeanor violation involving failure to account for county funds. The underlying criminal case was dismissed after Miller satisfied court-ordered conditions.

Reprimanded for filing a lawsuit and lien seeking fees far in excess of the written retainer agreement. Cotner attempted to recover $6,545.58 against a $1,000 fee cap in the retainer.

Safavian was disbarred in 2012. After petitioning for reinstatement and satisfying the conditions established by a hearing panel, the State Board of Law Examiners verified eligibility for recertification and payment of bar dues. The Attorney Discipline Board issued an order restoring his license to practice law in Michigan.