Dayton Bar Ass'n v. Engel

Summary

The Ohio Supreme Court reviewed disciplinary charges against an attorney arising from his handling of a partition action and an estate administration. The court adopted findings that the attorney neglected legal matters and failed to adequately prepare, and publicly reprimanded him while taxing costs to him.

Holdings

1. Engel violated DR 6-101(A)(3) by failing to advise the Powell children that the partition action had been dismissed and by failing to inform them of their appellate rights.
2. Engel violated DR 6-101(A)(2) and DR 6-101(A)(3) by attempting to handle the estate matter without adequate preparation and by neglecting it.
3. A public reprimand was appropriate, and costs were properly taxed to Engel.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Engel violated the Code of Professional Conduct by neglecting the Powell children's partition matter.
2. Whether Engel violated the Code of Professional Conduct by attempting to handle the Weaver estate matter without adequate preparation and by neglecting that matter.
3. What discipline was appropriate for the established violations.

Disposition

other