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Ohio Board of Professional Conduct 2018 Annual Report

The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct has issued its 2018 annual report, highlighting the disposition of 83 disciplinary cases, a 30 percent reduction in pending caseload, and continued education and outreach efforts.

The 83 case dispositions included 66 cases in which the board filed reports with the Ohio Supreme Court recommending the discipline against an Ohio attorney or judge. The board conducted 51 panel hearings, spanning 63 days, and conducted six meetings to review reports from hearing panels and board committees.

One case was dismissed based on a finding that the respondent did not engage in misconduct, and 16 cases were dismissed as a result of the respondent’s resignation from the practice of law, the respondent’s suspension for failing to respond to a pending disciplinary complaint, or the withdrawal or consolidation of a matter. 

The board continued its education and outreach activities in 2018. Six advisory opinions were issued, and the staff responded via opinion letter to 23 additional requests for advice. The staff made 31 education presentations and responded to nearly 2,000 telephone calls and emails from lawyers, judges, and judicial candidates regarding their ethical obligations.

“The 2018 annual report reflects the dedication of the volunteer commissioners to ensuring that Ohio judges and lawyers comply with the high standards of professional ethics adopted by the Supreme Court and that the public is protected from those individuals who stray from their obligations to clients, the courts, and the legal profession,” said Richard A. Dove, director of the board.

The Board of Professional Conduct assists the Ohio Supreme Court in its constitutional obligation to regulate the practice of law. The board consists of 28 volunteer commissioners, appointed by the Supreme Court, and employs a staff of four.