Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio imposed an interim suspension on Otha M. Jackson following certification of a felony conviction. The order referred the matter for disciplinary investigation and established notice, client-protection, continuing-education, and reinstatement requirements.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether the Supreme Court of Ohio should impose an interim suspension upon certification of the respondent attorney's felony conviction.
- What obligations and conditions should govern the respondent's suspension, including referral for disciplinary proceedings, client protection, continuing legal education, reimbursement to the Clients' Security Fund, and reinstatement.
Holdings
- Upon certification of a judgment entry reflecting the respondent attorney's felony conviction, the Supreme Court of Ohio imposed an interim suspension from the practice of law and referred the matter to Disciplinary Counsel for investigation and commencement of disciplinary proceedings.
- During the interim suspension, Jackson was prohibited from practicing law or providing legal services, was required to comply with specified client-notification and property-return obligations, complete continuing legal education, reimburse qualifying Clients' Security Fund awards, and satisfy applicable requirements before reinstatement.
Key quotations
“Upon consideration thereof and pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(4), it is ordered and decreed that Otha M. Jackson, Attorney Registration No. 0010036, last known business address in Cleveland, Ohio, be, and hereby is, suspended from the practice of law for an interim period, effective as of the date of this entry.” (1523)
“IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this matter be, and is hereby, referred to the Disciplinary Counsel for investigation and commencement of disciplinary proceedings.” (1523)
Factual background
Otha M. Jackson was an attorney licensed to practice law in Ohio and was subject to a felony conviction. The Secretary of the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline transmitted a certified copy of the conviction judgment entry to the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Procedural history
On March 4, 2003, the Secretary certified a copy of Jackson's felony-conviction judgment entry to the Supreme Court of Ohio under Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(3). Pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(4), the court imposed an interim suspension, referred the matter for disciplinary proceedings, and established conditions governing Jackson's suspension, client notification, reimbursement, continuing legal education, and potential reinstatement.