By Order of Reciprocal Discipline entered by the Supreme Court of Tennessee on Tuesday, Shaheen Iltaf Imami received a public censure with conditions.
On April 10, the Attorney Disciplinary Board for the State of Michigan imposed a public reprimand on Mr. Imami conditioned upon successful completion of the State Bar of Michigan’s “Lawyer Trust Accounts Seminar: Management Principles and Recordkeeping Resources,” and successful completion of SBM’s “Tips and Tools for a Successful Practice” seminar, with proof of said completion being provided to the grievance administrator.
Mr. Imami failed to preserve complete records of account funds for a period of five years; failed to promptly deliver funds owed to his client or third party; failed to promptly render a full accounting; failed to hold property of clients or third parties separate from his own funds; failed to deposit all client or third party funds in an appropriate IOLTA or non-IOLTA account, and/or failed to appropriately safeguard other property; engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice; and engaged in conduct exposing the legal profession to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach in violation of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and Michigan Court Rules, said officials.
On May 8, 2024, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered a Notice of Reciprocal Discipline directing Mr. Imami to inform the court, within 30 days of receipt of the Notice, why the discipline imposed by the Attorney Disciplinary Board for the State of Michigan should not be imposed by the Supreme Court of Tennessee. Mr. Imami did not file a response with the court as ordered.
A public censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney’s present ability to practice law.