On Thursday, May 30, 2024, the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board issued a Notice of Suspension against Attorney Andrew A. Paterson. According to the notice, Paterson was found guilty of nine counts of professional misconduct related to his legal representation of multiple clients in cases against government entities.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Andrew A. Peterson,” with case no. 20-13-GA.
The charges cited Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 3.1, 3.3(a), 3.4(c), 4.1, 8.4(b), and 8.4(c), and Michigan Court Rules 1.109(E), 2.302(G)(3), and 9.104(1)(2)(3).
Knowingly made a false statement of material fact or law to a tribunal or failed to correct a false statement of material fact or law previously made to the tribunal by the lawyer.
Knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal.
Knowingly made a false statement of material fact or law to a third person.
Engaged in conduct involving dishonestly, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer.
Engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Failed to abide by and violated the requirements.
Engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach.
Engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals.
Specifically, the hearing panel determined that Paterson brought frivolous proceedings, made false statements to tribunals, disobeyed court rules, and engaged in conduct involving dishonesty on several occasions. These actions violated various rules of professional conduct and Michigan court rules. Two additional charges were dismissed.
As a result of these findings, the hearing panel ordered Paterson’s law license to be suspended for 100 days. However, Paterson filed petitions for review and for a stay of the suspension, which automatically halted the order. The Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission cross-petitioned for review.
Upon further review in April 2024, the Board affirmed the hearing panel’s suspension of Paterson. However, the Board vacated one condition of the suspension while upholding another. Total costs were assessed at $6,295.
The Disposition states:
“The panel ordered that the respondent’s license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for a period of 100 days and that he be subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Respondent timely filed a petition for review and a petition for stay, which resulted in an automatic stay of the hearing panel’s order of suspension with conditions, and complainants filed a cross-petition for review.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Paterson is an administrative law attorney in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He acquired his law license in Michigan in 1969.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
