Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio issued a per curiam order indefinitely suspending respondent Kenneth Grant Hawley from the practice of law following a certification of default by the Board of Professional Conduct. The court mandated immediate cessation of all legal services, divestment of bar privileges, and compliance with continuing legal education requirements throughout the suspension period. The order further outlines strict conditions for client notification, fee refunds, reimbursement to the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, and reinstatement procedures.
Topics
Questions Presented
- Whether the Supreme Court of Ohio may convert an interim default suspension into an indefinite suspension upon certification of default.
Holdings
- The Court ordered that, pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(14)(E)(1), respondent Kenneth Grant Hawley is indefinitely suspended from the practice of law.
Key quotations
“It is ordered and adjudged by this court that pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(14)(E)(1), respondent, Kenneth Grant Hawley, Attorney Registration No. 0031772, last known business address in Cincinnati, Ohio, is indefinitely suspended from the practice of law.” (¶ 3)
Factual background
The Board of Professional Conduct filed a certification of default on January 17, 2025. An interim default suspension was imposed on respondent Kenneth Grant Hawley on February 10, 2025 pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(14)(B)(1). The Court considered the parties' show‑cause filings and ordered an indefinite suspension.
Procedural history
The Board of Professional Conduct filed a certification of default; an interim default suspension was imposed on February 10, 2025; the Supreme Court of Ohio considered the cause and ordered an indefinite suspension.