Narrative Opinion Summary
An Ohio attorney, admitted to practice in 1982, was subjected to disciplinary proceedings due to multiple violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility. The Disciplinary Counsel filed a five-count complaint against her for failing to comply with continuing legal education requirements, attorney registration duties, and engaging in unauthorized practice of law. The attorney did not respond to the complaint, leading to a default judgment. Over a 17-year period, she exhibited a pattern of misconduct, including forgery of client signatures and misrepresentation as a licensed attorney, which severely prejudiced her clients. Her license was suspended for nonpayment of fines related to continuing legal education violations, yet she continued her legal practice unlawfully. Despite attributing her misconduct to personal hardships, the board found no mitigating factors due to the severity and persistence of her violations. The board's findings were upheld, resulting in the permanent revocation of her law license, with costs imposed upon her. The court's decision emphasized the importance of compliance with professional conduct standards and the serious consequences of failing to uphold them.
Legal Issues Addressed
Engagement in Illegal and Dishonest Conductsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney engaged in illegal conduct by forging client signatures and misrepresenting her attorney status, which prejudiced her clients.
Reasoning: Count Three confirms that Stemper acted illegally and dishonestly to the prejudice of her clients, with further evidence of misrepresenting her status as a licensed attorney.
Failure to Comply with Continuing Legal Education Requirementssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney repeatedly failed to meet CLE requirements, resulting in fines and a license suspension, yet continued practicing law despite these violations.
Reasoning: Count One details her repeated noncompliance with continuing legal education (CLE) requirements, which resulted in fines of $700 and $540, as well as a suspension for nonpayment.
Permanent Revocation of Law Licensesubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Due to a sustained pattern of misconduct, including deceit and practicing without a license, the attorney's license was permanently revoked.
Reasoning: Respondent's license to practice law is permanently revoked due to multiple violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Unauthorized Practice of Lawsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Despite her suspended license, the attorney represented clients and engaged in legal practice, violating rules against unauthorized practice.
Reasoning: Stemper failed to notify clients of her suspension and continued to practice law from October 1995 to June 2002, violating several disciplinary rules related to dishonesty and unauthorized practice.
Violation of Attorney Registration Requirementssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney failed to register properly with the Office of Attorney Registration, did not update her address, and missed multiple registration periods.
Reasoning: Count Two identifies her failure to comply with attorney registration requirements, including late registrations and not registering at all for multiple biennia.