Ohio Supreme Court disciplinary changes

Ohio's supreme Court yesterday adopted rule amendments that refine the existing default judgment process when a lawyer fails to comply with his professional duty to respond to disciplinary charges recommended by the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline. [ Announcement ]

The amendments to the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio concern Rule 5 Disciplinary Procedure and new Section 6a Default; Interim Default Suspension published for public comment in March.

Taking effect August 1, 2012, the changes are intended to meet two goals:

•to encourage respondents to participate in the disciplinary process and do so more promptly.
•to protect the public from a lawyer who has ignored his or her duty to cooperate with the disciplinary authorities or is attempting to manipulate or delay the process while continuing to practice law.

Text of Amendments