Scott Drexel, Ohio’s disciplinary counsel, died yesterday at the age of 70.

Scott Drexel, Ohio’s disciplinary counsel, died yesterday at the age of 70.

Scott Drexel, Ohio’s disciplinary counsel, passed away yesterday after a brief illness. For the past six years, he was the head of the office that investigates and prosecutes complaints of misconduct by attorneys and judges in Ohio.

“Scott Drexel brought impeccable integrity to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel,” Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said.

“Scott’s work as disciplinary counsel allowed the public to have continued confidence in Ohio’s bench and bar. Cases pursued by his office demonstrated that no one, judge or attorney, is above the law and the Rules of Conduct,” Chief Justice O’Connor said. “On behalf of my colleagues on the Supreme Court and the judicial branch, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Drexel family in this difficult time.”

Before becoming disciplinary counsel, Drexel, 70, worked for 30 years as the chief trial counsel for the California State Bar.

“Scott was a man of great integrity and professionalism.  While serving as disciplinary counsel, he sought a fair and just outcome for grievants and respondents alike,” said Rick Dove, the director of Ohio’s Board of Professional Conduct.

“Throughout his career, he exhibited an unparalleled devotion to public service and commitment to promoting the highest standards of professional ethics, working each day to enhance confidence in our profession and the legal system. These are among the characteristics for which Scott will be remembered and that are a model for how each of us approaches our work on behalf of all Ohioans. Scott’s family, friends, and colleagues are in our thoughts,” Dove said.