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Columbus Bar Ass'n v. Potts

Citations: 77 Ohio St. 3d 1406; 670 N.E.2d 481Docket: 92-1392

Court: Ohio Supreme Court; October 10, 1996; Ohio; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

On December 14, 1992, Byron L. Potts was indefinitely suspended from practice by the court. He submitted a petition for reinstatement on March 31, 1995. On June 26, 1996, the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline recommended his reinstatement with conditions. The Columbus Bar Association objected to this recommendation on August 1, 1996. In response, Potts sought permission to file a reply brief to the objections on August 5, 1996. The court granted his motion, requiring him to submit his reply brief within ten days from the date of the order.

Legal Issues Addressed

Court's Authority to Grant Motion for Reply

Application: The court can grant a motion allowing an attorney to file a reply to objections, setting a specific deadline for the submission, as was done in Potts' case.

Reasoning: The court granted his motion, requiring him to submit his reply brief within ten days from the date of the order.

Indefinite Suspension of Legal Practice

Application: This principle involves the court's authority to suspend an attorney indefinitely from practicing law, as evidenced by the initial disciplinary action taken against Byron L. Potts.

Reasoning: On December 14, 1992, Byron L. Potts was indefinitely suspended from practice by the court.

Objection to Reinstatement Recommendations

Application: A Bar Association may object to the Board's recommendation for an attorney's reinstatement, which was the case when the Columbus Bar Association objected to Potts' reinstatement.

Reasoning: The Columbus Bar Association objected to this recommendation on August 1, 1996.

Petition for Reinstatement of Suspended Attorney

Application: An attorney who has been indefinitely suspended may petition for reinstatement, as demonstrated by Byron L. Potts' submission of such a petition.

Reasoning: He submitted a petition for reinstatement on March 31, 1995.

Recommendations by the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline

Application: The Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline has the authority to recommend the reinstatement of a suspended attorney, with or without conditions, as seen in their recommendation regarding Potts.

Reasoning: On June 26, 1996, the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline recommended his reinstatement with conditions.

Right to File Reply to Objections

Application: An attorney has the right to file a reply to objections raised against their reinstatement, as Potts did in response to the Columbus Bar Association's objection.

Reasoning: In response, Potts sought permission to file a reply brief to the objections on August 5, 1996.