Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio ordered an interim suspension of William B. Schatz from the practice of law following certification of a felony conviction. The court referred the matter to the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association for investigation and disciplinary proceedings and imposed related client-notification, continuing-education, reimbursement, and reinstatement requirements.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether certification of an attorney's felony conviction required or authorized an interim suspension under Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(4).
- What conditions and procedural obligations applied during the interim suspension.
Holdings
- Upon certification of a judgment entry reflecting the respondent attorney's felony conviction, the Supreme Court of Ohio suspended respondent from the practice of law for an interim period effective immediately and referred the matter for disciplinary investigation and proceedings.
- During the interim suspension, respondent was prohibited from practicing law or performing legal services, was required to comply with client-notification and property-transfer obligations, reimburse qualifying Clients' Security Fund awards, complete specified continuing-legal-education requirements, and satisfy the governing reinstatement rules before returning to practice.
Key quotations
“Upon consideration thereof and pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(4), it is ordered and decreed that William B. Schatz, Attorney Registration No. 0016467, last known business address in Moreland Hills, Ohio, is suspended from the practice of law for an interim period, effective as of the date of this entry.” (1429)
“It is further ordered that this matter is referred to the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association for investigation and commencement of disciplinary proceedings.” (1429)
Factual background
William B. Schatz was an attorney licensed to practice law in Ohio. The secretary of the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline certified a judgment entry reflecting Schatz's felony conviction. Based on that certification, the Supreme Court of Ohio imposed an interim suspension and specified conditions governing Schatz's practice, reinstatement, client protection, and continuing legal education.
Procedural history
After receiving certification of respondent's felony conviction pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(3), the Supreme Court of Ohio acted under Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(4). It imposed an interim suspension effective immediately and referred the matter to the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association for investigation and commencement of disciplinary proceedings.