On Thursday, August 31, 2023, the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board issued a notice of suspension against attorney Nejla K. Lane, a licensed attorney in Michigan. The suspension is for a period of six months, pending a motion for reconsideration filed by Lane.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Nejla K. Lane,” with case no. 23-38-RD.
On May 16, 2023, the Texas Commission for Lawyer Discipline filed an amended petition for reciprocal discipline against attorney Nejka Kassandra Keyfli Lane, seeking her suspension from practicing law in Texas based on her suspension in Illinois. The petition came after the Supreme Court of Illinois denied Lane’s petition for leave to file exceptions to the report and recommendation of the review board on January 17, 2023. Lane was found to have committed misconduct by sending numerous emails to a magistrate judge and law clerk, containing false or reckless statements that attacked the judge’s integrity. The review board recommended a nine-month suspension, stayed after six months by a six-month period of probation, subject to conditions.
The Commission for Lawyer Discipline sought identical discipline in Texas, pursuant to Rule 9.02, Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. The petition requested that the Board of Disciplinary Appeals appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas issue a notice to Lane, containing a copy of the petition and exhibits, and an order directing Lane to show cause within 30 days of why the imposition of the identical discipline in Texas would be unwarranted.
The Commission also sought a judgment imposing discipline identical to that imposed by the Supreme Court of Illinois, and any other relief to which it may be entitled.
In relation to this, the Grievance Administrator in Michigan also filed a notice of filing of reciprocal discipline pursuant to MCR 9.120(C) with the Attorney Discipline Board, attaching a certified copy of the Illinois Supreme Court’s order. The Grievance Administrator requested that the Board impose a six-month suspension.
The Board issued an order regarding the imposition of reciprocal discipline on May 11, 2023, ordering the parties to inform the Board in writing of any objection to the imposition of comparable discipline in Michigan based on the grounds set forth in MCR 9.120(C)(1) and whether a hearing was requested. The 21-day period set forth in the Board’s order expired without objection or request for a hearing by either party.
On July 6, 2023, the Attorney Discipline Board ordered that Lane be suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for six months, effective August 4, 2023. Lane filed a timely motion for reconsideration, which is currently pending before the Board. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,527.05.
According to avvo.com, Ms. Lane is a criminal defense attorney in Chicago, Illinois. She is the founder of Lane Keyfli Law International. She acquired her law license in Michigan in 2006.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
