Omissions Lead To Denial Of Admission Without Examination

The Ohio Supreme Court has disapproved an application of a Michigan attorney for admission without examination.

The applicant was admitted in 2002. He failed to disclose two driving under the influence convictions in his Ohio bar application.

His first explanation: his sister (an Ohio attorney) “had advised him to answer no.”

His second: he was following the instructions, although he later conceded that no instruction suggested that the convictions need not be disclosed.

He had also acted as corporate counsel to an Ohio corporation. While there was no finding of unauthorized practice, there was “deep concern” about the situation.

The court not only denied the applixcation, but also revoked the attorney’s registration for in-house corporate status. (Mike Frisch)