Oakland University Board of Trustees Chairperson Henry Baskin pled no contest Thursday to the sexual misconduct charges that were made against him by Attorney Grievance Commission Deputy Administrator Robert Edick in August 2011.

He entered the plea during a hearing held Thursday at the Attorney Grievances Office in Detroit.

Now, Baskin must wait for a decision from the board, which is supposed to happen within 35 days after the receipt of the meeting’s transcript.

Baskin’s defense, lawyers Steve Fisherman and Kenneth Mogil, argued for a no discipline charge, while Edick asked for a 30-day suspension. At times, the discussion became heated.

“This is still not an acknowledgement of his wrongfulness,” Edick said. “In fact, there was already a conflict (in the case). My position is not per se misconduct, but it is per se a conflict that could lead to misconduct.”

Baskin has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a client he was representing during the divorce case. Edick is alleging that Baskin’s relationship with the woman is a conflict of interest and could have had an affect on her case.

The couple had a long-term relationship in 1999 but are no longer together. While they were dating, Baskin said the two would attend holiday parties, family gatherings and social events together, but he was unaware the relationship would have any ethical affect on the outcome of her settlement, which included more than $50,000 in monthly alimony, a $2.1 million home in Grosse Pointe Farms and half her husband’s stake in the company J.M. Olson Corp.

Baskin’s defense argued that there is no Michigan law that prohibits an attorney from having a sexual relationship with a client, and that she would have received the same type of representation regardless of the relationship. However, there is an old Michigan law prohibiting adultery but it hasn’t been enforced.

“This was a sincere, mutual relationship that was long-term but did not happen to work out,” Mogil said. “Mr. Baskin did not represent (the woman) alone. His daughter and (attorney) David Mendelson were involved as well … the risk of injury was extremely minimal … Baskin has a history of quiet acts far out of the limelight.”

Baskin has been an attorney for 54 years at the Baskin Law Firm PC in Birmingham. He has served as chairperson of the BOT at Oakland University since 1996.

Baskin said the repercussions from the relationship with his client would follow him for the rest of his life.

“I do not believe that any lawyer should engage in any relationship in a divorce case,” he said. “It’s not worth destroying your family, your relationship, your years as a lawyer … you have to be prepared to live with the ‘A’ on your forehead for committing a crime that doesn’t even exist in Michigan, I thought.”

“You can get a great result for a client, but not a great result for the heart.”