On Thursday, September 4, 2025, the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board issued a notice announcing the disbarment of attorney Richard H. Clark, effective August 29, 2025. This decision follows a consent order of discipline agreed upon by Clark and the Grievance Administrator, which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by Tri-County Hearing Panel #53. The disbarment stems from a series of professional misconduct allegations outlined in a formal complaint consisting of six counts.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Richard H. Clark,” with case no. 25-11-GA.
The charges cited the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c), MRPC 1.2(a), MRPC 1.3, MRPC 1.4(a), MRPC 1.4(b), MRPC 1.15(b)(3), MRPC 1.15(d), MRPC 1.15(f), MRPC 1.15(g), MRPC 3.4(c), MRPC 6.5(a), MRPC 8.1(a)(2), MRPC 8.4(a), MRPC 8.4(b), MRPC 8.4(c), MCR 9.104(1), MCR 9.104(2), MCR 9.104(3), MCR 9.104(4), and MCR 9.104(7).
The first count of misconduct involved Clark’s representation of two clients in a bankruptcy case in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan. He improperly deposited a $20,000 retainer fee into his operating account and used those funds for personal expenses, including credit card bills. After withdrawing from the case, he failed to respond to his clients’ requests for an accounting and refunds of unearned fees.
In the second count, Clark was found to have commingled funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), earned income, and personal funds with client funds in his IOLTA account during 2021 and 2022, misusing PPP funds to prepay for a year’s rent for his personal residence.
The third count detailed Clark’s inappropriate behavior towards a legal assistant, wherein he sent profane and abusive messages. When asked to apologize, he responded with further vulgarity and hostility, continuing to insult individuals involved in his divorce.
In the fourth count, Clark represented a client in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition confirmed by the court in October 2017. However, by October 2022, the client was notified that the bankruptcy plan had expired and that a motion to dismiss would be filed. Clark failed to object to this motion or to inform his client, leading to the dismissal of the case in December 2022.
Count five addressed Clark’s failure to respond to two requests for investigation initiated by the disciplinary authority.
Finally, the sixth count described how he represented 29 clients in Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases between 2017 and 2022, but ceased communication with both his clients and the court. As a result, sixteen of these cases were involuntarily dismissed due to his failure to file required documents, comply with court orders, or appear at hearings and status conferences. The remaining thirteen clients avoided dismissal only because they secured new counsel after Clark had failed to take any necessary actions.
The hearing panel concluded that Clark’s actions constituted neglect of legal matters and a failure to act with diligence and promptness in representation, violating multiple Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct. The panel identified numerous violations, including his failure to keep clients informed, account for client funds, and respond to lawful demands from the disciplinary authority.
The Disposition states:
“In accordance with the stipulation of the parties, the hearing panel ordered that respondent be disbarred, effective August 29, 2025. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $1,985.09.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Clark was a bankruptcy and debt attorney in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He acquired his law license in Michigan in 2006.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
