Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio accepted Christi Lee Brown’s resignation from the practice of law as a resignation with disciplinary action pending under Gov. Bar R. VI(11)(C). The order withdrew her practice privileges, struck her name from the roll of attorneys, and imposed requirements concerning client notification, property, fees, records, and reimbursement to the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether Brown's application for resignation should be accepted as a resignation with disciplinary action pending under Gov.Bar R. VI(11)(C).
- What restrictions and compliance obligations should accompany acceptance of the resignation.
Holdings
- The Supreme Court of Ohio accepted Brown's resignation as a resignation with disciplinary action pending pursuant to Gov.Bar R. VI(11)(C).
- Upon acceptance of the resignation, Brown's rights and privileges to practice law in Ohio were withdrawn, her name was ordered stricken from the roll of attorneys, and she was subject to the specified practice restrictions, client-notice obligations, reimbursement requirements, and compliance directives.
Key quotations
“On consideration thereof, it is ordered by the court that pursuant to Gov.Bar R. VI(11)(C), the resignation as an attorney and counselor at law is accepted as a resignation with disciplinary action pending.” (¶ 2)
“It is further ordered and adjudged that from and after this date all rights and privileges extended to respondent to practice law in the state of Ohio be withdrawn” (¶ 3)
Factual background
Christi Lee Brown was admitted to practice law in Ohio in 1994 and had a last known business address in Lima, Ohio. She submitted an application for retirement or resignation pursuant to Gov.Bar R. VI(11) while disciplinary action was pending. The Office of Attorney Services filed disciplinary counsel's report with the Supreme Court of Ohio under seal.
Procedural history
Christi Lee Brown submitted an application for retirement or resignation under Gov.Bar R. VI(11). The application was referred to disciplinary counsel, and disciplinary counsel's report was filed under seal. The Supreme Court of Ohio accepted Brown's resignation with disciplinary action pending and entered related practice, notice, client-protection, and compliance orders.