Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association v. Thomas

Summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio found attorney Sam Thomas III in contempt for failing to pay $3.37 in board costs required by a prior suspension order. The court revoked the stay of his one-year suspension and suspended him from practicing law until he paid the costs, satisfied reinstatement requirements, and was reinstated by the court. The order also imposed continuing legal education, client-notification, and other compliance obligations.

Holdings

1. Respondent was found in contempt for failing to pay the $3.37 in board costs ordered in the court's August 16, 2018 suspension order.
2. The previously imposed stay of respondent's one-year suspension was revoked, and respondent was suspended from the practice of law until he paid the board costs and any interest, applied for reinstatement, and was granted reinstatement by the court.
3. Respondent may not be reinstated until he pays the board costs and accrued interest, satisfies the applicable reinstatement and bar-governance requirements, complies with the court's orders, and receives an order of reinstatement from the court.

Questions Presented

1. Whether respondent should be found in contempt for failing to comply with the court's prior suspension order requiring payment of board costs.
2. Whether the stay of respondent's suspension should be revoked because of that noncompliance.
3. What conditions should govern respondent's suspension, reinstatement, client notifications, and compliance obligations.

Disposition

other