Columbus Bar Assn. v. Dice

Summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio held that Daniel Sean Dice committed professional misconduct by delaying an incarcerated client's federal appeal, failing to appear for another criminal appeal, neglecting client matters, and failing to cooperate with a disciplinary investigation. The court imposed a one-year suspension from the practice of law, stayed as to the final six months on the condition of no further misconduct.

Holdings

1. Dice committed the charged professional misconduct by delaying and neglecting an appellate matter, failing to appear for a criminal-case oral argument, failing to pursue his clients' lawful objectives, engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice and adversely reflecting on his fitness to practice law, and failing to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation.
2. A one-year suspension from the practice of law, with the final six months stayed on the condition that Dice commit no further professional misconduct, was appropriate; violation of the stay would lift it and require service of the entire one-year suspension.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Dice committed the charged professional misconduct by neglecting client matters, failing to prepare adequately, failing to pursue clients' lawful objectives, engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice or reflecting adversely on his fitness to practice, and failing to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation.
2. Whether a one-year suspension with the final six months stayed on the condition of no further misconduct was an appropriate sanction.

Disposition

other