John J. Chester Jr.

John J. Chester Jr.

The Ohio Supreme Court board that investigates the unauthorized practice of law elected its 2014 leadership on Wednesday.

John J. Chester Jr., a partner at Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP in Columbus, will serve as chair and Robert V. Morris II, a magistrate at the Franklin County Probate Court, will serve as vice chair. Chester served as vice chair this year.

Chester, who is serving his second term on the board, was originally appointed in 2010. Morris was appointed to his first term in 2012.

Chester counsels clients in corporate and business law matters, real estate, and civil litigation. Morris joined the probate court in May 2012 after 33 years as a practicing attorney.

Outgoing chair Curt Sybert, an attorney at Scherner & Sybert LLC in Powell, will complete his second term with board on December 31.

Established by Rule VII of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, the board consists of 13 members who are appointed to three-year terms by the Supreme Court. The board conducts hearings, preserves the record, and makes findings and recommendations to the Supreme Court in cases involving the alleged unauthorized practice of law.

The board is also authorized to issue informal nonbinding advisory opinions on matters concerning the unauthorized practice of law.