Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio considered Rebecca Susan Blair’s application for reinstatement after a two-year suspension, with 18 months stayed subject to specified conditions. The court found substantial compliance, reinstated Blair to the practice of law, and placed her on probation for 18 months subject to continued compliance with her Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program contract and other conditions.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether respondent demonstrated sufficient compliance with the court's prior suspension order and Gov.Bar R. V(10)(A) to warrant reinstatement.
- What conditions should govern respondent's reinstatement and the stayed portion of her suspension.
Holdings
- Because respondent substantially complied with the prior suspension order and Gov.Bar R. V(10)(A), the court reinstated her to the practice of law in Ohio.
- Reinstatement was conditioned on an 18-month probation, continued compliance with respondent's Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program contract, appointment of a monitor, reporting by disciplinary counsel, and compliance with the court's orders and the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio.
Key quotations
“Respondent is reinstated to the practice of law in the state of Ohio and placed on probation for a period of 18 months in accordance with Gov.Bar R. V(9) and consistent with the opinion rendered on February 24, 2011.” (¶ 4)
“It is further ordered that respondent's probation shall not be terminated until (1) respondent files an application for termination of probation in compliance with Gov.Bar R. V(9)(D), (2) respondent complies with this and all other orders issued by this court, (3) respondent complies with the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, (4) relator files with the clerk of this court a report indicating that respondent complied with the terms of the probation, and (5) this court orders that the probation be terminated.” (¶ 6)
Factual background
Rebecca Susan Blair was subject to a two-year suspension from the practice of law, with the final 18 months stayed on conditions. She applied for reinstatement, and the Supreme Court of Ohio found that she had substantially complied with its prior order and with Gov.Bar R. V(10)(A).
Procedural history
On February 24, 2011, the court suspended Rebecca Susan Blair from practicing law for two years, with 18 months stayed on conditions including compliance with an Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program contract and completion of continuing legal education in law-office management. Upon Blair's application for reinstatement, the court found that she had substantially complied with its prior order and Gov.Bar R. V(10)(A), and reinstated her subject to an 18-month probation.