Attorney Raymond G. Mullins was suspended from practicing law for 180 days by the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board. According to a Notice of Suspension and Restitution issued on October 13, 2023, Mullins violated numerous Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct in his representation of a client in an employment discrimination case.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Raymond G. Mullins,” with case no. 23-1-GA.
The charges cited Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c), 1.2(a), 1.3, 1.4(a), 1.4(b), 1.16(d), 8.1(a)(1), 9.104(6), 8.4(a)(b)(c), 9.104(1), 9.104(2), 9.104(3).
The Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.
The notice states that Mullins failed to file a response to a motion to dismiss filed against his client, despite being given multiple opportunities to do so. As a result of Mullins’ failure to respond, his client’s case was dismissed. When the client later filed a request for investigation against Mullins, he falsely responded that he had filed a response to the motion. Mullins claimed the court considered the motion and granted the defendant’s request for dismissal.
At a disciplinary hearing, Mullins defaulted on the allegations, so the panel determined he was responsible for professional misconduct. The panel found Mullins neglected the legal matter, failed to seek his client’s lawful objectives, and lacked reasonable diligence and promptness. He also failed to properly communicate with his client and explain matters to allow for informed decisions. Additionally, Mullins did not refund any unearned fees.
The hearing panel concluded Mullins’ actions violated numerous Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct governing competence, diligence, communication with clients, candor in disciplinary matters, and misconduct. As a result of Mullins’ violations, he was suspended from practicing law for 180 days starting October 13, 2023. Mullins was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to his former client and $1,887.13 in costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings
According to avvo.com, Mr. Mullins is an appeals attorney at Ypsilanti, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan. He acquired his law license in Michigan in 1973.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
