On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, the Attorney Discipline Board of the State of Michigan granted the Motion for Reconsideration filed by Attorney Nejla K. Lane pertaining to the July 6, 2023 order of suspension against her.

The case is titled ‘In the Matter of Nelja K. Lane,’ with case no. 23-38-RD.

The disciplinary action originated from a Notice of Filing of Reciprocal Discipline on May 2, 2023, submitted by the Grievance Administrator. The notice included a certified copy of the Supreme Court of Illinois Order in the matter of Nejla K. Lane, suspending the respondent from practicing law for nine months, with a six-month suspension stayed by probation. The suspension in Illinois was effective from February 7, 2023. According to public record, the suspension is related to Attorney Lanes’ unethical conduct, namely, false or reckless statements impugning the integrity of a judge; engaging in conduct intended to disrupt a tribunal; and engaging in conduct that was prejudicial to the administration of justice.

The Grievance Administrator requested a comparable six-month suspension in Michigan. After no objections were raised, the Board imposed the requested suspension, resulting in an Order of Suspension on July 6, 2023. However, on August 3, 2023, Attorney Lane filed a Motion for Reconsideration, arguing that the Michigan and Illinois disciplines were not comparable due to automatic reinstatement in Illinois, unlike in Michigan where reinstatement requires a petition. The Grievance Administrator responded on August 17, 2023.

Considering the motion, responses, and relevant orders, the Board granted Attorney Lane’s Motion for Reconsideration. Consequently, the July 6, 2023 Order of Suspension was vacated. The case was then referred to a hearing panel for disposition, and both parties were instructed to submit briefs within 14 days of the order. The briefs were required to address issues such as the definition of comparable discipline in Michigan, whether lesser discipline was warranted, and whether any imposed discipline should align with the dates of the respondent’s suspension in Illinois.

The order reads:

“NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that respondent’s Motion for Reconsideration is GRANTED.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the July 6, 2023 Order of Suspension is VACATED.”

According to Avvo.com., Attorney Nelja K. Lane is a criminal defense attorney who practices in Texas, Illinois, and Michigan. She acquired her license in Michigan in 2006.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.