On Monday, December 12, 2022, the Attorney Discipline Board of the state of Michigan released the Notice of Interim Suspension of Highland attorney Matthew D. Novello, under Case No. 22-76-GA. 
According to the filing, Novello failed to appear at a disciplinary hearing scheduled on November 28, 2022, despite proof that he possessed actual notice of the proceedings. Hence, the hearing panel issued an order of suspension.The automatic suspension was pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 9.115(H)(1) which states that:

The respondent shall personally appear at the hearing, unless excused by the panel, and is subject to cross-examination as an opposite party under MCL 600.2161.

(1) Where satisfactory proofs are entered into the record that a respondent possessed actual notice of the proceedings, but who still failed to appear, a panel shall suspend him or her effective 7 days from the date of entry of the order and until further order of the panel or the board.

The Notice of Interim Suspension reads:

“Matthew D. Novello, P 63269, Highland, Michigan by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #58

Interim Suspension – Effective December 8, 2022.”

Prior to the suspension, Mr. Collins practiced in Highland, Michigan. He graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 2001. He has been admitted to the Michigan bar. His info can be found on LinkedIn.

A copy of the notice of interim suspension can be found here.