Muskingum County Certified Grievance Committee v. Greenberger

Summary

The Ohio Supreme Court reviews disciplinary charges against attorney Bruce L. Greenberger arising from neglect, failure to communicate, mishandling of client funds, misrepresentation, and other professional misconduct across multiple client matters. The court imposed a two-year suspension, with the final six months stayed subject to restitution and required a formal reinstatement petition after 18 months of actual suspension.

Holdings

1. Greenberger violated DR 1-102(A)(4), 1-102(A)(5), 6-101(A)(3), 7-101(A)(2), 7-106(A), 9-102(A), 9-102(B)(3), and 9-102(B)(4), as found by the board.
2. A two-year suspension from the practice of law was appropriate, with the last six months conditionally stayed on the conditions that Greenberger make specified restitution with interest and satisfy the heightened reinstatement procedure after serving an actual eighteen-month suspension.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Greenberger violated the specified Disciplinary Rules through neglect, dishonesty, failure to communicate, mishandling of client funds, failure to return unearned fees, failure to carry out professional employment, advising a client to disregard a tribunal ruling, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
2. What sanction was appropriate for Greenberger's multiple violations affecting several clients, including whether a two-year suspension should be partially stayed and conditioned on restitution and a specific reinstatement procedure.

Disposition

other