Disciplinary Counsel v. Henderson

Summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio held that Pippa Lynn Henderson committed multiple acts of professional misconduct, including practicing law while suspended, misrepresenting the status of a client’s case, failing to safeguard or refund client funds, neglecting a matter, and failing to cooperate with a disciplinary investigation. In light of her prior disciplinary history and numerous aggravating factors, the court permanently disbarred her and assessed costs.

Holdings

1. Respondent violated all provisions found by the disciplinary board, including rules prohibiting fraud, deceit, dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, conduct adversely reflecting on fitness to practice law, failure to safeguard or promptly pay client funds, failure to perform duties upon suspension, and failure to cooperate with a disciplinary investigation.
2. Permanent disbarment was the appropriate sanction for respondent's misconduct.

Questions Presented

1. Whether respondent committed the charged violations of the Disciplinary Rules and Ohio disciplinary rules by undertaking representation while suspended, misrepresenting the status of the matter, failing to perform the promised legal services, failing to refund client funds, and failing to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation.
2. Whether permanent disbarment was the appropriate sanction in light of respondent's misconduct and aggravating factors.

Disposition

other