Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio imposed an interim suspension from the practice of law on Christopher Paul Roser after receiving a certified judgment entry of his felony conviction. The court referred the matter for disciplinary investigation and established requirements concerning cessation of practice, client notifications, continuing legal education, reinstatement, and reimbursement obligations.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether the Supreme Court of Ohio should impose an interim suspension upon receiving a certified copy of an attorney's felony-conviction judgment entry under Gov.Bar R. V(18).
- What conditions and obligations govern respondent during the interim suspension.
Holdings
- Upon consideration of the certified judgment entry of Roser's felony conviction and pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(18)(A)(4), the Supreme Court of Ohio suspended Roser from the practice of law for an interim period, effective immediately.
- During the interim suspension, Roser was required to cease practicing law and performing legal services, comply with continuing-legal-education and client-protection reimbursement requirements, notify clients and opposing parties, transfer client property, file proof of compliance, and satisfy applicable reinstatement requirements.
Key quotations
“Upon consideration thereof and pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(18)(A)(4), it is ordered and decreed that Christopher Paul Roser, Attorney Registration No. 0047160, last known business address in Erlanger, Kentucky, is suspended from the practice of law for an interim period, effective as of the date of this entry.” (¶ 2)
“It is further ordered that this matter is referred to the Cincinnati Bar Association for investigation and the commencement of disciplinary proceedings.” (¶ 3)
Factual background
Christopher Paul Roser was an attorney licensed to practice law in Ohio. The director of the Board of Professional Conduct filed a certified copy of a judgment entry reflecting Roser's felony conviction. Based on that filing and the governing bar rule, the Supreme Court imposed an interim suspension and practice-related obligations.
Procedural history
On April 27, 2015, the director of the Board of Professional Conduct submitted the certified felony-conviction judgment entry to the Supreme Court of Ohio. The court entered an interim suspension, referred the matter to the Cincinnati Bar Association for investigation and disciplinary proceedings, and imposed related conditions governing respondent's practice, client notifications, continuing legal education, and potential reinstatement.