Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio issued an order granting an immediate interim remedial suspension against attorney Matthew E. Exton following a motion by the Toledo Bar Association. Citing violations of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and a substantial threat of harm to the public, the court ordered Exton to cease practicing law immediately pending final disciplinary proceedings. The order outlines strict conditions for the suspension, including client notification, refunding unearned fees, reimbursing the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, and completing continuing legal education requirements.
Topics
Questions Presented
- Whether the Supreme Court of Ohio may impose an immediate interim remedial suspension on an attorney without a response to the motion.
Holdings
- The court may enter an immediate interim remedial suspension against an attorney when the relator shows conduct violating the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and poses a substantial threat of serious harm, even absent a response.
Key quotations
“Upon consideration thereof and pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(19)(B), it is ordered and decreed that an interim remedial suspension is immediately entered against Matthew E. Exton, Attorney Registration No. 0084072, ... pending final disposition of disciplinary proceedings predicated on the conduct threatening the serious harm.” (¶ 2)
“It is further ordered that respondent shall not be reinstated to the practice of law in Ohio until (1) respondent complies with the requirements for reinstatement set forth in the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, (2) respondent complies with this and all other orders issued by this court, (3) respondent complies with the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, and (4) this court orders respondent reinstated.” (¶ 8)
Factual background
On May 1, 2025, the Toledo Bar Association filed a motion alleging that attorney Matthew E. Exton engaged in conduct violating the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and that such conduct posed a substantial threat of serious harm to the public. Exton did not file a response to the motion.
Procedural history
The Toledo Bar Association filed a motion alleging the respondent violated Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and posed a substantial threat of serious harm. The respondent did not file a response, and the Supreme Court of Ohio considered the motion and entered an interim remedial suspension.