On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board issued a notice announcing that attorney Jack L. Berman has been reprimanded. This action follows a stipulation for a consent order of reprimand, which was filed by both Berman and the Grievance Administrator. The stipulation was subsequently approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by Tri-County Hearing Panel #2.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Jack L. Berman,” with case no. 24-73-GA.
The reprimand is effective immediately and stems from Berman’s mismanagement of his Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA). Specifically, he issued two checks that were returned unpaid due to insufficient funds in his IOLTA account. After being notified of the overdrafts, Berman deposited personal funds from his business checking account into the IOLTA to rectify the situation.
The hearing panel found that Berman’s actions constituted a violation of multiple rules, including failing to maintain client funds in his IOLTA, which breaches Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct (MRPC) 1.15(f). Additionally, he improperly deposited personal or earned fees into the IOLTA, violating MRPC 1.15(g). His conduct was also deemed contrary to ethical standards, in violation of MCR 9.104(3), and he was found to have attempted violations of professional conduct rules as outlined in MRPC 8.4(a) and MCR 9.104(4).
As part of the disciplinary action, Berman is required to attend a Lawyer Trust Accounts Seminar provided by the State Bar of Michigan. Furthermore, he has been assessed costs totaling $1,191.95 related to the proceedings.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Berman is a bankruptcy and debt attorney in Livonia, Michigan. He acquired his law license in Michigan in 1972.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
