The board cleared 47 cases in 2022, including four involving judicial misconduct. It also released one of the first advisories in the U.S. about the ethical obligations of an attorney who accepts cryptocurrency in connection to their practice.

The board cleared 47 cases in 2022, including four involving judicial misconduct. It also released one of the first advisories in the U.S. about the ethical obligations of an attorney who accepts cryptocurrency in connection to their practice.

The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct has released its 2022 annual report, highlighting the disposition of 47 disciplinary cases, including four judicial misconduct cases, and a significant expansion of education and outreach activities.

The 47 cases cleared by the board included 25 cases in which the board recommended discipline against an Ohio attorney or judge.  The board also conducted hearings on three reinstatement petitions and dismissed two complaints based on insufficient evidence to establish ethical violations. The board conducted 27 panel hearings, spanning 32 days, and held six meetings to review reports from hearing panels and board committees.

The report highlights dispositions in four judicial misconduct cases, two of which resulted in the recommendation of an actual suspension. The board conducted five judicial misconduct hearings in 2022 and two additional hearings are scheduled for the first half of 2023.

The board issued 13 advisory opinions, including one of the first opinions in the United States that addresses the ethical obligations of a lawyer who accepts cryptocurrency in connection with the lawyer’s practice.

Staff of the Board of Professional Conduct served as presenters at 44 continuing education seminars for lawyers, judges, and judicial candidates. The board also published two ethics guides, one addressing the involvement of judges in charitable and civic activities and a second guide focusing on the unique obligations of lawyers who represent corporate and other organizational entities.

“The 2022 annual report reflects the continued commitment of the 28 volunteer commissioners and four staff to assist the Supreme Court in its constitutional obligation to regulate the practice of law in Ohio,” said Board Director Richard A. Dove.

The Board of Professional Conduct is a quasi-independent body established in 1957 to assist the Supreme Court of Ohio in its constitutional obligation to regulate the practice of law. The activities of the board are funded entirely by attorney registration fees assessed by the Supreme Court.