The Suspension and What It Means
Kenneth Hawley, a Cincinnati-based attorney, had his law license suspended by the Ohio Supreme Court. This suspension means he could not practice law — he could not represent clients, appear in court, or provide legal information — during the period of suspension. License suspensions for lawyers are public disciplinary actions, and the reasons behind them are part of the court record.
Lawyer discipline in Ohio is handled by the Supreme Court's Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which investigates complaints against attorneys and brings cases before the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline. When that board finds a violation of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, it can recommend suspension, disbarment, or other penalties. The Supreme Court then decides whether to impose the recommended discipline.
Key Takeaways
- License suspensions for lawyers are public disciplinary actions recorded by the Ohio Supreme Court and available to the public.
- The Office of Disciplinary Counsel investigates complaints and the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline hears cases before the Supreme Court decides on penalties.
- Suspension means an attorney cannot practice law during the suspension period, though they may be able to petition for reinstatement after meeting conditions.
- You can search for disciplinary records and case details through the Ohio Supreme Court's public database or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel website.
- If you were a client of a suspended attorney, you have options for finding new representation and understanding what happened to your case.
How to Find the Details of a Lawyer's Suspension
The Ohio Supreme Court makes disciplinary records public. You can search for information about Kenneth Hawley's suspension and the reasons behind it through the Office of Disciplinary Counsel's website or by contacting the office directly. The case file will include the complaint, the board's findings, and the Supreme Court's order imposing the suspension.
The Supreme Court's website also maintains a searchable database of attorney discipline. This database shows the attorney's name, the date of the disciplinary action, the type of discipline imposed, and often a summary of the violations. For a complete picture, you may need to request the full case file from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel or review it at the Supreme Court's offices in Columbus.
Common Reasons Lawyers Face Suspension
Lawyer suspensions in Ohio typically result from violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct. These include mishandling client funds, failing to communicate with clients, abandoning cases, dishonesty, conflicts of interest, or failing to meet continuing education requirements. Some suspensions are also imposed as a result of criminal convictions or other disciplinary actions in other states.
Suspensions can be temporary — lasting a set number of months or years — or indefinite, pending the attorney's petition for reinstatement. The length and terms of suspension depend on the severity of the violation and the attorney's disciplinary history. An attorney under suspension may petition the Supreme Court for reinstatement once they have met the conditions set by the court, which might include additional training, restitution to clients, or a period of time passing.
What Happens to Your Case If Your Lawyer Is Suspended
If Kenneth Hawley was your attorney and his license was suspended, your case did not automatically disappear, but it did need attention. Suspended attorneys must notify their clients and take steps to protect their interests. This usually means transferring files, providing notice of the suspension, and giving clients time to find new representation.
If you were a client and did not receive notice, or if your case was left unresolved, you have options. You can contact the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to report the situation, reach out to the Cincinnati Bar Association for a referral to another attorney, or file a complaint if you believe you were harmed by the suspension or the attorney's conduct before it. You may also be able to seek restitution through the Ohio Supreme Court's Client Security Fund if you suffered financial loss due to the attorney's misconduct.
The Reinstatement Process for Suspended Lawyers
A suspended lawyer in Ohio can petition for reinstatement, but the process is not automatic. The attorney must show that they have met the conditions of the suspension order — which might include completing ethics training, paying restitution, or straightforward waiting out a suspension period. They must also demonstrate that they are fit to practice law and that reinstatement is in the public interest.
The petition goes back to the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline, which makes a recommendation to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court then decides whether to grant reinstatement. This process can take several months and may include a hearing where the attorney must present evidence of rehabilitation or compliance with the suspension terms.
Finding a New Attorney If Yours Was Suspended
If you need legal representation and your attorney has been suspended, the Cincinnati Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association both offer referral services. You can also search for attorneys by practice area and location on their websites. When choosing a new attorney, you can verify their license status and disciplinary history through the same Ohio Supreme Court database where you found information about the suspension.
When you contact a new attorney, bring copies of all documents related to your case, including correspondence with your previous attorney, court filings, and any agreements or contracts. This will help the new attorney understand where your case stands and what work remains to be done. Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation, so you can discuss your situation and whether they are the right fit before committing to representation.
Understanding Lawyer Discipline and Public Trust
Lawyer discipline exists to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the legal profession. The Ohio Supreme Court's disciplinary system is designed to be transparent — cases are public, records are searchable, and clients have a way to report problems. This openness means you can research an attorney's history before hiring them and understand what happened if your attorney faced discipline.
If you believe an attorney has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct, you can file a complaint with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Complaints can be filed online, by mail, or by phone. The office will investigate and determine whether there is enough evidence to bring a case before the board. Even if you are not directly harmed, reporting misconduct helps protect other clients and the profession as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still contact Kenneth Hawley if his license is suspended?
You can contact him, but he cannot provide legal services or represent you in court. If he was your attorney, he should have notified you of the suspension and helped transfer your case. If you need legal help, you should find another attorney rather than relying on someone whose license is suspended.
How long does a lawyer suspension usually last?
Suspension length varies widely depending on the violation and the attorney's history. Some suspensions last a few months, others a year or more, and some are indefinite pending reinstatement. The Supreme Court's order imposing the suspension will specify the length and any conditions for reinstatement.
Can I get my money back if my suspended lawyer took my fees?
Possibly, through the Ohio Supreme Court's Client Security Fund. This fund compensates clients who suffered financial loss due to an attorney's dishonesty or misconduct. You would need to file a claim with the fund and provide documentation of your loss. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel can direct you to the process process.
Is a suspended license the same as disbarment?
No. Suspension is temporary — the attorney can petition for reinstatement after meeting conditions. Disbarment is permanent removal from the profession. A suspended attorney's license can be restored; a disbarred attorney cannot practice law in Ohio again unless the Supreme Court reverses the disbarment, which is rare.
Where can I find the full details of the suspension case?
The Ohio Supreme Court's Office of Disciplinary Counsel maintains public records of all disciplinary cases. You can search their website, call their office, or visit in person in Columbus. The Supreme Court's website also has a searchable attorney discipline database that shows summaries of cases and links to full orders.