NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITIONS
Case No. 22-82-GA
Notice Issued: May 29, 2025
Rebecca S. Tieppo, P 62311, Livonia, Michigan
Suspension - 30 Days, Effective May 29, 2025
Based on the evidence presented at hearings held in this matter in accordance with MCR 9.115, Tri-County Hearing Panel #8 found that respondent committed professional misconduct as alleged in a three-count formal complaint filed by the Grievance Administrator. Count One involved a Wayne County Circuit Court case where respondent, as counsel of record, failed to respond to a motion for a Show Cause Order, by not filing a brief or other response and failing to appear for the scheduled motion, which resulted in an assessment of $7,000 in costs and fees, a $10,000 bond against the client’s principal, and issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest. Count Two involved respondent’s failure to return a client’s file materials, despite repeated requests, and Count Three involved respondent’s failure to provide timely responses to the Grievance Administrator’s requests for investigation, despite being granted an extension.
Specifically, the panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to her, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to take reasonable steps to protect a client’s interests upon termination of representation, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); and, knowingly failed to answer a request for investigation or demand for information in conformity with MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2), in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MRPC 8.1(a)(2). The panel also found respondent’s conduct to have violated MCR 9.104(1), (3), and (4), and MRPC 8.4(c).
The panel ordered that respondent’s license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for a period of 30 days and that she be subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Respondent filed a timely petition for review and after proceedings pursuant to MCR 9.118, the Board affirmed the 30-day suspension with conditions on April 30, 2025. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $4,621.10.