Disciplinary Counsel v. McKenna

Summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio indefinitely suspended Daniel Edward McKenna from the practice of law after finding that he abandoned a client during a jury trial, neglected the client’s matter, prejudiced the client, and failed to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation. The court made the suspension effective September 3, 2004, when McKenna assumed inactive status, and taxed costs to him.

Holdings

1. Respondent violated DR 1-102(A)(5), DR 1-102(A)(6), DR 6-101(A)(3), DR 7-101(A)(1), DR 7-101(A)(2), DR 7-101(A)(3), and Gov.Bar R. V(4)(G).
2. Neglect of legal matters combined with failure to cooperate in the ensuing disciplinary investigation warrants an indefinite suspension from the practice of law, and respondent was indefinitely suspended effective September 3, 2004.

Questions Presented

1. Whether respondent committed the charged violations of the Ohio Disciplinary Rules and Gov.Bar R. V(4)(G).
2. Whether an indefinite suspension from the practice of law was the appropriate sanction for abandoning a client during trial, neglecting the client's matter, failing to return fees, and failing to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation.

Disposition

other