On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board denied a motion from the Grievance Administrator to amend an order of suspension with conditions issued against attorney Rebecca S. Tieppo. The decision upholds the original disciplinary measures set by Tri-County Hearing Panel #8 on August 28, 2024, which imposed a 30-day suspension of Tieppo’s law license, effective May 29, 2025.
The case is entitled “Attorney Grievance Commission v. Rebecca S. Tieppo,” with case no. 22-82-GA.
The original order stemmed from findings of misconduct. The hearing panel’s August 2024 ruling required Tieppo to complete specific conditions to address the misconduct. Within 90 days of the suspension’s effective date, she must meet with a representative from the State Bar of Michigan’s Practice Management Resource Center to assess her office procedures and ensure compliance with the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct. Additionally, Tieppo is required to complete a continuing education course focused on professionalism and civility within one year and provide proof of completion. She must also schedule an assessment with the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program (LJAP) within 90 days to address any ongoing concerns related to mental health, physical health, or personal stressors, and develop a plan if necessary.
On September 18, 2024, Tieppo filed a petition for review and a stay, which temporarily halted the suspension. During the review, she argued that the misconduct findings were incorrect and sought to have all sanctions vacated. The Grievance Administrator countered that the panel’s findings and sanctions should be upheld. On December 11, 2024, oral arguments were presented, but neither party requested changes to the order’s language at that time. On April 30, 2025, the Board issued a ruling affirming most of the panel’s misconduct findings, except for one related to neglect under MRPC 1.1(a), and upheld the 30-day suspension and all conditions.
On May 16, 2025, the Grievance Administrator filed a motion to amend the third condition, requesting that Tieppo provide a copy of her LJAP assessment within 21 days, submit quarterly progress reports from LJAP, and sign waivers allowing LJAP to share information with the Grievance Administrator for two years.
The Board denied the motion, stating that the hearing panel lost jurisdiction to amend the order once Tieppo’s petition for review was filed. The Board also noted that the Grievance Administrator failed to provide a legal basis for the requested changes and had not raised the issue earlier despite opportunities to do so. The denial was issued without prejudice, leaving open the possibility of future action.
The Disposition states:
“NOW THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that the Grievance Administrator’s Motion to Amend Order of Suspension with Conditions is DENIED, WITHOUT PREJUDICE, for the reasons stated above.”
According to Avvo.com, Ms. Tieppo is a criminal defense attorney. She attended Wayne State University Law School, graduating in 2003. She acquired her law license in Michigan in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
