On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the State of Michigan Attorney Disciplinary Board suspended attorney Matthew D. Novello for abandoning his representation of three clients.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Matthew D. Novello,” with case no. 22-76-GA.
The charges cited Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c), 1.2(a), 1.3, 1.4(a)(b), 1.16(d), 8.1(a)(2), 8.4(a)(b)(c) and Michigan Court Rules 9.104(4), 9.104(1)(2)(3)(7), 9.113(a)(b)(2) which states:
Respondent neglected a matter.
Failed to seek the lawful objectives of a client.
Failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client.
Failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information.
Failed to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make an informed decision regarding the representation.
Failed to take reasonable steps to protect the client’s interests after the termination of representation.
Engaged in conduct that violates the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or violation of the criminal law, where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer.
Engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach.
Engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals.
Failed to answer a request for an investigation.
On December 12, 2022, the Attorney Discipline Board of the state of Michigan suspended the respondent in an interim status. The sanction arose from the respondent’s failure to appear at a disciplinary hearing that was scheduled on November 28, 2022, despite the existence of evidence that he already received the actual notice of the proceedings.
The Notice of Interim Suspension states:
“As a result, the hearing panel issued an order of suspension, in accordance with MCR 9.115(H)(1), effective December 8. 2022. and until further order of the panel or the Board.”
In the current notice of suspension and restitution by the Disciplinary Board, it was stated that the panel found that the respondent committed professional misconduct by abandoning his representation of three separate clients, and when he failed to answer four requests for investigation.
The Disposition states:
“The panel ordered that the respondent’s license to practice law be suspended for 180 days, effective March 11, 2023, and that respondent pay restitution totaling $3,000. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,750.86.”
As of today, Mr. Novello is listed in the law firm of Novello & Associates as a practicing attorney. He practices in Novi, Michigan. He is licensed in Michigan. Mr. Novello’s info can be found on lawyer.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
