In re Connors

2019-Ohio-1716 (Ohio 2019) · Supreme Court of Ohio · May 7, 2019 · No. 2019-0598

Summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio imposed an interim suspension from the practice of law on David Kelsey Connors after receiving a certified judgment entry of his felony conviction. The order referred the matter for disciplinary investigation and established requirements concerning cessation of practice, client notification, continuing legal education, reinstatement, and reimbursement obligations.

Court
Supreme Court of Ohio
Writing for the Court
Maureen O'Connor, C.J.
Jurisdiction
Ohio
Decision date
May 7, 2019
Docket number
2019-0598
Procedural posture
On certified entry of a felony conviction against an Ohio attorney, the director of the Board of Professional Conduct filed a certified copy of the conviction with the Supreme Court of Ohio pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(18).
Precedential value
Published disciplinary order with limited precedential value beyond application of the governing attorney-discipline rules to the certified felony conviction.
Disposition
other

Topics

administrative lawagency adjudicationjudicial review of agency action

Practice areas

legal ethics and professional responsibilityattorney disciplineadministrative law

Questions Presented

  1. Whether a certified entry of an attorney's felony conviction required the Supreme Court of Ohio to impose an interim suspension under Gov.Bar R. V(18)(A)(4).
  2. What conditions and protective measures should govern the attorney's practice, client communications, reinstatement, and professional obligations during the interim suspension.

Holdings

  1. Upon the filing of a certified judgment entry of an attorney's felony conviction, the Supreme Court of Ohio suspended Connors from the practice of law for an interim period effective immediately.
  2. During the interim suspension, Connors was prohibited from practicing law or performing legal services, was required to comply with specified client-notification and property-transfer duties, and could not be reinstated until satisfying applicable rules and court orders and obtaining an order of reinstatement.

Key quotations

David Kelsey Connors, Attorney Registration No. 0090404, 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. (¶ 2)
It is further ordered that this matter is referred to disciplinary counsel for investigation and the commencement of disciplinary proceedings. (¶ 3)

Factual background

David Kelsey Connors was licensed to practice law in Ohio and was subject to attorney registration number 0090404. The director of the Board of Professional Conduct filed a certified copy of a judgment entry showing that Connors had been convicted of a felony. Based on the certified conviction, the Supreme Court of Ohio imposed an interim suspension and related restrictions pending disciplinary proceedings.

Procedural history

The director of the Board of Professional Conduct certified and filed with the Supreme Court of Ohio a judgment entry reflecting David Kelsey Connors's felony conviction. The Supreme Court entered an interim suspension from the practice of law and referred the matter to disciplinary counsel for investigation and commencement of disciplinary proceedings.

Court Document

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