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In re Ciepiel

Citations: 125 Ohio St. 3d 1422; 926 N.E.2d 312Docket: 2010-0361

Court: Ohio Supreme Court; May 12, 2010; Ohio; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

On February 26, 2010, the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness submitted its final report recommending the disapproval of Mark Joseph Ciepiel’s application for admission to the Ohio bar due to a violation of bar examination rules, specifically returning to a question after time had expired. No objections were raised against this recommendation. The court accepted the board's recommendation, disapproving Ciepiel's application for the practice of law in Ohio. He is permitted to reapply in August 2010 by submitting a supplemental character questionnaire. Upon reapplication, his case will be reviewed by the board, and if the board recommends approval, he may be admitted to practice law in Ohio. Chief Justice Brown did not participate in the decision.

Legal Issues Addressed

Judicial Participation in Character and Fitness Decisions

Application: Chief Justice Brown did not take part in the decision regarding the disapproval of the applicant's bar admission.

Reasoning: Chief Justice Brown did not participate in the decision.

Procedure for Reapplication to the Bar

Application: The applicant is allowed to reapply by submitting a supplemental character questionnaire and his case will be reviewed again by the board.

Reasoning: He is permitted to reapply in August 2010 by submitting a supplemental character questionnaire. Upon reapplication, his case will be reviewed by the board, and if the board recommends approval, he may be admitted to practice law in Ohio.

Violation of Bar Examination Rules

Application: The Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness recommended disapproval of the applicant's admission due to returning to a question after time had expired during the bar exam.

Reasoning: On February 26, 2010, the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness submitted its final report recommending the disapproval of Mark Joseph Ciepiel’s application for admission to the Ohio bar due to a violation of bar examination rules, specifically returning to a question after time had expired.