Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio orders an interim suspension from the practice of law for David Richard Rhodehamel following certification of a felony conviction. The order imposes related obligations concerning client notification, handling of client property and funds, continuing legal education, reimbursement to the Clients’ Security Fund, and compliance with reinstatement requirements.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether certification of a licensed Ohio attorney's felony conviction required or authorized an interim suspension from the practice of law.
- What conditions and restrictions should govern the attorney's status during the interim suspension.
Holdings
- Upon certification of the judgment entry of Rhodehamel's felony conviction, the Supreme Court of Ohio suspended him from the practice of law for an interim period, effective immediately.
- During the interim suspension, Rhodehamel was required to cease and desist from practicing law, was barred from performing legal services and handling client matters except as permitted by the applicable rules, and was required to comply with notification, client-property, fee-refund, continuing-legal-education, reimbursement, and reinstatement conditions.
Key quotations
“Upon consideration thereof and pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(5)(A)(4), it is ordered and decreed that David Richard Rhodehamel, Attorney Registration No. 0051222, last known business address in Columbus, Ohio, is suspended from the practice of law for an interim period, effective as of the date of this entry.” (1402)
“It is further ordered that this matter is referred to the Disciplinary Counsel for investigation and commencement of disciplinary proceedings.” (1402)
Factual background
David Richard Rhodehamel was an attorney licensed to practice law in Ohio. The secretary of the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline certified to the Supreme Court a judgment entry reflecting Rhodehamel's felony conviction.
Procedural history
On February 17, 2011, the secretary of the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline certified to the Supreme Court of Ohio a certified copy of David Richard Rhodehamel's felony-conviction judgment. The court entered an interim suspension under the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio and referred the matter to Disciplinary Counsel for investigation and commencement of disciplinary proceedings.