Lorain County Bar Ass'n v. Lang

Summary

The Ohio Supreme Court found that William P. Lang neglected a client's intentional-tort action and failed to cooperate promptly with a disciplinary investigation. The court suspended Lang for one year, stayed the final six months on the condition of no further misconduct, and required a mental-health professional's opinion concerning his competence upon any reinstatement application.

Holdings

1. Lang violated DR 6-101(A)(3) by neglecting Stearnes's legal matter.
2. Lang violated Gov.Bar R. V(4)(G) by failing to cooperate promptly and fully with the disciplinary investigation.
3. A one-year suspension from the practice of law was appropriate, with the final six months conditionally stayed, subject to no further misconduct during the suspension period and a mental-health professional's opinion of competence upon any application for reinstatement.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Lang committed professional misconduct by neglecting a legal matter.
2. Whether Lang committed professional misconduct by failing to cooperate in the disciplinary investigation.
3. What sanction was appropriate for the violations, considering the mitigating and aggravating circumstances.

Disposition

other