Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio issued an order granting a certification of default against attorney Mark Mariotti for failing to file an answer to a formal complaint. As a result, the court imposed an immediate interim default suspension, divesting him of all rights and privileges of an Ohio attorney. The order outlines mandatory compliance steps, including notifying clients, refunding unearned fees, completing continuing legal education, and reimbursing the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, while staying further court proceedings pending remand to the Board of Professional Conduct.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether the Supreme Court of Ohio may enter an interim default suspension upon certification of default and remand the matter to the Board for further proceedings.
Holdings
- The court may enter an interim default suspension and remand the case to the Board of Professional Conduct for further proceedings under Gov.Bar R. V(12).
Key quotations
“It is further ordered that respondent is hereby divested of each, any, and all of the rights, privileges, and prerogatives customarily accorded to a member in good standing of the legal profession of Ohio.” (¶5)
Factual background
On January 17, 2025, the Board of Professional Conduct filed a certification of default asserting that respondent Mark Mariotti had failed to file an answer to a formal complaint pending before the board. Respondent filed an objection to the certification.
Procedural history
The Board of Professional Conduct filed a certification of default alleging that respondent failed to answer a formal complaint. Respondent objected. The Supreme Court of Ohio considered the certification and ordered an interim default suspension, granting leave to answer and remanding the matter to the Board.
Remand instructions
The matter is remanded to the Board of Professional Conduct for further proceedings under Gov.Bar R. V(12).