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Disciplinary Counsel v. Gambrel
Citation: 2001 Ohio 6979Docket: 2001-1177
Court: Ohio Supreme Court; December 18, 2001; Ohio; State Supreme Court
Original Court Document: View Document
Paul F. Gambrel, an attorney from Poland, Ohio, faced disciplinary action following his guilty plea to mail fraud conspiracy in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on February 7, 2000. He was sentenced to three years' probation, a $1,500 fine, and 250 hours of community service. An interim suspension from practicing law was imposed on May 31, 2000. On September 29, 2000, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the Mahoning County Bar Association charged Gambrel with violating the Code of Professional Responsibility. He admitted to the allegations, which included negotiating a settlement with Nationwide Insurance Company after receiving insider information from a claims adjuster, Walter D. Hartsock, in exchange for a $2,500 kickback. This conduct was found to violate several Disciplinary Rules, including engaging in illegal conduct involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, deceit, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. The panel of the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline recommended an indefinite suspension from the practice of law, a recommendation that was adopted by the board and the Supreme Court of Ohio. The court ruled to indefinitely suspend Gambrel from practicing law in Ohio, with costs taxed to him. The opinion noted that Attorney Lawrence Seidita, who facilitated the kickback arrangement, had also resigned from practice.