Columbus Bar Ass'n v. DiAlbert

Summary

The Ohio Supreme Court considered disciplinary charges against attorney John Eugene DiAlbert for neglecting a client's judicial-release matter, misrepresenting anticipated release dates, and initially failing to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation. The court imposed a six-month suspension, stayed in full subject to conditions including no further misconduct, payment of costs, psychological counseling, and possible participation in fee arbitration.

Holdings

1. DiAlbert violated DR 1-102(A)(4) and (6), DR 6-101(A)(3), DR 7-101(A)(3), and Gov.Bar R. V(4)(G) through misrepresentation, conduct adversely reflecting on his fitness to practice law, neglect of an entrusted legal matter, intentional prejudice or damage to a client, and initial failure to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation.
2. A six-month suspension from the practice of law, stayed in its entirety on specified conditions, was an appropriate sanction; failure to satisfy the conditions would lift the stay and require six months of actual suspension.

Questions Presented

1. Whether DiAlbert's conduct violated the cited provisions of the Ohio Code of Professional Responsibility and Gov.Bar R. V(4)(G).
2. What disciplinary sanction was appropriate for the established misconduct.

Disposition

other