On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board suspended attorney Deborah K. Schlussel’s license to practice law for 30 days, effective June 27, 2025, following findings of professional misconduct. The decision affirmed most of the findings from a Tri-County Hearing Panel, which had ordered the suspension on September 30, 2024.

The case is entitled “Attorney Grievance Commission v. Deborah K. Schlussel,” with case no. 23-93-GA.

The case stemmed from a two-count complaint filed by the Grievance Administrator on October 30, 2023. The allegations centered on Schlussel’s representation of two incarcerated clients seeking compassionate release during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The board found that Schlussel failed to act diligently, misled clients about the status of their legal matters, and engaged in conduct that harmed the legal profession’s reputation.

In the first count, Terry Blackman, the wife of incarcerated client David Blackman, paid Schlussel $500 in May 2020 to file a motion for compassionate release. Schlussel filed the motion on May 25, 2020, in the Eastern District of Michigan, but it was denied by Judge David Lawson for procedural reasons. Schlussel then falsely informed Blackman via email on July 12, 2020, that the motion had been refiled and that a response from the court was imminent. On August 9, 2020, Schlussel reiterated that she was awaiting a response from the judge and prosecutor, despite not having filed a second motion. Blackman discovered the misrepresentation after contacting Judge Lawson’s chambers and requesting that Schlussel withdraw from the case.

In the second count, Schlussel was accused of similar misconduct in her representation of Roger Yatzek, through communications with his wife, Heidi Yatzek. Although no retainer fee was paid, Schlussel led the Yatzeks to believe she was their attorney, informing them she was preparing and filing a compassionate release motion. She communicated with Heidi Yatzek throughout June, July, and August 2020, claiming she was in contact with the court and awaiting a response, but no motion was ever filed. The board rejected Schlussel’s claim that she was not retained, citing her ongoing communications and legal research as evidence of an attorney-client relationship.

The hearing panel found Schlussel violated several Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, including failing to act with reasonable diligence (MRPC 1.3), failing to keep clients informed (MRPC 1.4(a)), engaging in dishonest conduct (MRPC 8.4(b)), and violating rules prejudicial to the administration of justice (MCR 9.104(1)-(3)). In the first count, she was also found to have failed to protect her client’s interests upon termination (MRPC 1.16(d)). However, the board vacated the panel’s finding of neglect under MRPC 1.1(c) in the first count, determining that Schlussel’s actions did not constitute a consistent failure to meet obligations.

The 30-day suspension was upheld as appropriate under ABA Standard 4.62, which recommends suspension for attorneys who knowingly deceive clients, causing potential injury. The panel noted mitigating factors, including Schlussel’s personal and emotional challenges, such as the loss of a loved one in 2019 and diagnoses of depression and ADHD, for which she has received treatment. Schlussel is required to notify clients of her suspension, file an affidavit of compliance, and pay $3,143.76 in costs by June 27, 2025.

The Disposition states:

“IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the respondent’s license to practice law in Michigan is SUSPENDED FOR 30 DAYS. EFFECTIVE JUNE 27. 2025. and until respondent’s filing of an affidavit of compliance with the Attorney Discipline Board and the Attorney Grievance Commission in accordance with MCR 9.123(A).”

According to Avvo.com, Ms. Schlussel is a criminal defense attorney in Southfield, Michigan. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She acquired her law license in Michigan in 1997. 

A copy of the original filing can be found here.