On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board issued an order affirming a 30-day suspension of attorney Daniel J. Lehman’s license to practice law, effective May 8, 2025. The decision follows Lehman’s 2022 misdemeanor domestic violence conviction and subsequent probation violation, which led to disciplinary actions by the Attorney Grievance Commission.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Daniel J. Lehman,” with case nos. 23-39-JC and 23-40-GA.
Lehman faced scrutiny after his March 29, 2022, conviction for domestic violence, stemming from an incident in 2021. Initially, Lehman pleaded guilty on September 1, 2021, and received a deferred sentence under Michigan law, which could have resulted in the conviction being vacated if he complied with probation terms. However, on December 23, 2021, Lehman violated his probation by consuming alcohol, an action discovered when police responded to a second domestic violence allegation at his home. Although no additional charges were filed for the second incident, police reported significant injuries to Lehman’s wife, including facial swelling, scratches, a head contusion, and apparent bite marks. This violation led to the revocation of his deferred sentence, and Lehman served 45 days in jail for the original domestic violence charge.
The Grievance Administrator filed a formal complaint against Lehman on May 8, 2023, alongside a notice of his conviction. The complaint alleged multiple violations, including conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, violation of criminal law, and actions that brought disrepute to the legal profession. It also claimed Lehman knowingly breached his probation terms and failed to adhere to professional conduct standards set by the Michigan Supreme Court.
A virtual misconduct hearing took place on November 20, 2023, where Lehman and a West Bloomfield police officer testified, and photographic evidence of the injuries from the second incident was presented. The hearing panel found Lehman guilty of most charges, except for failing to notify the Grievance Administrator of his conviction, which was dismissed.
On April 30, 2024, a separate hearing determined Lehman’s sanctions. The panel ordered a 30-day suspension and mandated that Lehman undergo an assessment by the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program (LJAP) within 30 days of the suspension’s effective date. He must comply with LJAP’s recommendations, including entering a monitoring agreement if advised, and provide quarterly progress reports to the Grievance Administrator. Lehman is also required to sign waivers allowing communication between LJAP, the Grievance Administrator, and any medical or psychological providers for one year after the monitoring agreement ends.
Lehman appealed the sanctions on July 29, 2024, arguing that the discipline was excessive. He claimed his actions did not reflect on his fitness to practice law and cited prior cases where attorneys faced no discipline for misdemeanor convictions. The Discipline Board reviewed the case, holding oral arguments on December 11, 2024.
The Board upheld the panel’s decision, noting the severity of Lehman’s conduct, including two domestic violence incidents within six months and a probation violation. The Board emphasized that Lehman’s actions warranted suspension under American Bar Association standards for criminal conduct and abuse of legal processes.
Lehman is barred from practicing law during the suspension and must notify all active clients of his disqualification within seven days of the effective date. He is also ordered to pay $2,883.88 in costs, covering hearing panel and court reporting fees. The Board’s decision was unanimous among attending members, with one member absent.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Lehman is a business attorney in West Bloomfield, Michigan. He acquired his law license in Michigan in 2003.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
