Lorain Cty. Bar Assn. v. Lewis

Summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio disciplined Kenneth James Lewis for failing to diligently represent a client in a marriage-dissolution matter and for failing to communicate regarding qualified domestic relations orders. The court adopted the findings and recommendation of the Board of Professional Conduct, concluding that Lewis violated Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4(a)(3), and 1.4(a)(4). Lewis was suspended from practicing law for two years, retroactive to May 30, 2020, subject to an OLAP assessment, continuing-education requirements, and one year of monitored probation upon reinstatement.

Holdings

1. Lewis violated Prof.Cond.R. 1.3, 1.4(a)(3), and 1.4(a)(4) by failing to prepare the required QDROs, failing to act with reasonable diligence, failing to keep Deem reasonably informed, and failing to comply with reasonable requests for information.
2. A two-year suspension from the practice of law was appropriate, based on Lewis's misconduct, two prior disciplinary suspensions, multiple offenses, restitution, cooperation, and lack of a dishonest or selfish motive.
3. Lewis's two-year suspension commenced retroactively on May 30, 2020, and reinstatement was conditioned on an OLAP assessment and compliance with its recommendations, six hours of continuing legal education in law-office management, and one year of monitored probation.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Lewis violated the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct by failing to act diligently, keep his client reasonably informed, and comply with reasonable requests for information in a domestic-relations matter.
2. What sanction was appropriate in light of Lewis's misconduct, prior disciplinary record, aggravating and mitigating factors, and the applicable disciplinary precedent.
3. Whether the suspension should be retroactive to May 30, 2020, and subject to conditions concerning an OLAP assessment, continuing legal education, and monitored probation.

Disposition

other