In re Hummel

2025 Ohio 2136 · Supreme Court of Ohio · June 18, 2025 · No. 2025-0802

Summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio issued a per curiam order suspending attorney Karen Lynn Hummel from the practice of law following her felony conviction. Pursuant to Government Bar Rule V(18), the court ordered an interim suspension effective immediately, divesting her of all rights and privileges of an Ohio attorney. The order mandates that she cease all legal practice, notify clients and opposing counsel, refund unearned fees, and complete continuing legal education during the suspension period. Reinstatement is contingent upon compliance with Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar and a subsequent court order.

Court
Supreme Court of Ohio
Writing for the Court
Kennedy, C.J.; Fischer; Dewine; Brunner; Deters; Hawkins; Shanahan
Jurisdiction
Ohio
Decision date
June 18, 2025
Docket number
2025-0802
Procedural posture
Suspension of attorney following certified entry of felony conviction
Precedential value
published
Parties
Karen Lynn Hummel
Disposition
other

Topics

administrative lawagency adjudicationjudicial review of agency action

Practice areas

administrative law

Questions Presented

  1. Whether the Supreme Court of Ohio may suspend an attorney’s license upon certified entry of a felony conviction.

Holdings

  1. The Court may suspend the attorney’s license pending investigation when a certified entry of a felony conviction is filed.

Key quotations

Upon consideration thereof and pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(18)(A)(4), it is ordered and decreed that respondent, Karen Lynn Hummel, Attorney Registration No. 0088982, ... is suspended from the practice of law for an interim period, effective as of the date of this entry. (¶ 2-3)

Factual background

On June 16, 2025, a certified copy of a judgment entry of a felony conviction was filed against Karen Lynn Hummel, an Ohio‑licensed attorney. The Supreme Court acted on that filing to impose disciplinary sanctions.

Procedural history

The Board of Professional Conduct filed a certified copy of a felony conviction judgment against attorney Karen Lynn Hummel. The Supreme Court of Ohio considered the filing and ordered suspension of her law license.

Court Document

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