No Dishonest Motive But Lengthy Suspension

A two-year suspension was imposed by the Ohio Supreme Court in a matter involving an attorney who accepted clients from a company that uses direct mail to market estate planning services in Ohio and other states. In one instance, the attorney never met with the client but allowed a representative of the company to handle the matter and pay her a small fee for legal services. The ethics charges (which were admitted) involved requesting an organization to recommend or promote the lawyer’s services, assisting the unauthorized practice of law, sharing fees with a non-lawyer and revealing confidences and secrets. “There was no evidence of a dishonest or selfish motive…and when [the attorney] became aware that her conduct was in violation of the Disciplinary Rules, she terminated her relationship with [the company}.” (Mike Frisch)