The Oakland Post

All but one charge dropped against Trustee Henry Baskin

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UPDATE: Trustee Henry Baskin pleads no contest, seeks no-discipline charge

All but one charge has been dropped in the misconduct case against Board of Trustees Chairperson Henry Baskin, according to his lawyer Kenneth Mogill.

Baskin was accused of having a sexual relationship with one of his clients when Robert Edick, deputy administrator of the Attorney Grievance Commission, issued the formal complaint against him in April 2011.

Baskin has a June 1 hearing at the Detroit Disciplinary offices for the remaining charge — a conflict of interest — under the circumstances that there is a risk a personal relationship with a client may become problematic.

“There is no claim that the representation was negatively affected by the relationship,” Mogill said. “The representation obtained by (the client) was outstanding and would have been the same result regardless of the relationship.”

According to an article published by Crains Detroit, Ednik said possible punishment by the discipline board can include no discipline, a reprimand or even permanent disbarment as an attorney.

“We’re not alleging that he exploited or coerced the client,” he said in an interview with Crains Detroit. “The relationship in this case had all the markers of a bona fide romantic relationship, so … there’s no easy formula for determining the exact level of punishment. My plan is to ask for a suspension of some length. It doesn’t have to be lengthy.”

According to Mogill, Baskin has agreed not to contest the charge.

Baskin could not be reached immediately for comment.

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Contact Editor-in-Chief Nichole Seguin via email at naseguin@oakland.edu or follow her on Twitter @naseguin