On Wednesday, October 5, 2022, the Attorney Disciplinary Board of the State of Michigan issued a Notice of Suspension and Restitution relating to the charges for attorney discipline against Grand Rapids attorney Samuel P. Henkel for professional misconduct.
The case was brought by the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission. Case #22-16-GA.
The charges cited Henkel’s violations of Rules 1.1(c), 1.3, 1.4(a), 1.16(d), 8.1(a)(1), 8.1(a)(2), 8.4(b), and 8.4(c) of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct.
The Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.
According to the filing:
“After proceedings conducted pursuant to MCR 9.115, the panel found that respondent committed professional misconduct in his representation of a client in a custody and parenting time matter. The panel found that once respondent received the advance retainer fee, he ceased communication with his client despite his client’s multiple attempts to communicate with him regarding the status of his matter. It was additionally found that respondent made false representations in his answer to the request for investigation and follow-up communications with the Attorney Grievance Commission; and failed to refund unearned fees.”
The Notice of Disbarment reads in part:
“Samuel P. Henkel, P 70586, Grand Rapids, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Kent County Hearing Panel #1
Suspension – 270 Days, Effective October 1, 2022”
Respondent was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000.00, and costs were assessed in the amount of $2,403.09.
According to LinkedIn, Mr. Henkel is a practicing attorney at Henkel & Henkel, PLLC. He has practiced in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has been licensed in Michigan.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
