On Thursday, September 26, 2024, the Tri-County Hearing Panel #1 issued a 179-day suspension of Michigan attorney Gerard J. Garno’s law license with conditions. Garno had several criminal contempt convictions related to his divorce proceedings in 2022 for failure to appear in court and failure to pay child and spousal support.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Gerard J. Garno,” with case no. 24-51-JC and 24-52-GA.
The charges cited Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.7(b), 1.15, 1.15(d), 3.1, 3.2, 3.3(a)(2), 3.4(a), 3.4(c), 3.4(d), 3.4(e), 3.4(f), 3.5(d), 6.5(a), 8.4(c) and Michigan Court Rules 9.104(1), 9.104(2), 9.104(3), 9.104(5), and 9.120(A)(1).
As part of the consent order agreed upon by Garno and the state Grievance Administrator, Garno admitted to commingling client funds with his personal finances and improperly paying personal expenses using money from his client trust account. He also acknowledged the other professional misconduct allegations outlined in the formal complaint.
Based on Garno’s admissions, the hearing panel found he violated various Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and Michigan Court Rules. As a result of the stipulation between Garno and the Grievance Administrator, the hearing panel ordered a 179-day suspension of Garno’s law license effective immediately, along with other undisclosed conditions. The total costs assessed against Garno for the disciplinary case were $2,130.80.
The Disposition states:
“In accordance with the stipulation of the parties, the hearing panel ordered that respondent’s license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 179 days, effective immediately, September 24, 2024, as agreed to by the parties. The panel also ordered that the respondent be subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Garno is an elder law attorney in Washington, Michigan. He acquired his law license in Michigan in 2000.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
