In re Resignation of Ruggiero

Summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio accepted John Michael Ruggiero’s resignation from the practice of law as a resignation with disciplinary action pending. The order withdrew his Ohio practice privileges, required surrender of his admission certificate and removal from the attorney roll, and imposed client-notification, property-return, fee-refund, and compliance obligations.

Holdings

1. Under Gov.Bar R. V(11)(G)(3), the court accepted Ruggiero's resignation as a resignation with disciplinary action pending.
2. Upon acceptance of the resignation, Ruggiero's rights and privileges to practice law in Ohio were withdrawn, his name was to be stricken from the roll of attorneys, and he was prohibited from holding himself out as or performing the functions of an Ohio attorney.
3. Ruggiero was required to notify clients and opposing parties, transfer client papers and property, refund unearned fees, account for trust property, file proof of compliance, maintain records, and satisfy any applicable Clients' Security Fund reimbursement obligations.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should accept Ruggiero's affidavit of resignation and waiver as a resignation with disciplinary action pending under Gov.Bar R. V(11)(G).
2. What restrictions and compliance obligations should accompany acceptance of the resignation.

Disposition

other