“A Disturbing Tendency To Blame Others”
The Ohio Supreme Court disapproved an application for bar admission of a person who had graduated from law school in 1995 and sought admission in 2017
Citing concerns regarding Steinberg’s employment history, a domestic violence charge in 2018, and multiple traffic violations, the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness exercised its sua sponte investigatory authority pursuant to Gov.Bar R. I(12)(B)(2)(e).
A three-member panel of the board conducted a hearing on December 9, 2020. After considering the evidence, including the testimony of Steinberg and two character witnesses, the panel issued a report concluding that Steinberg had failed to present clear and convincing evidence that he currently possesses the requisite character, fitness, and moral qualifications to practice law in Ohio. The panel recommended that his pending applications be denied and that he be permitted to reapply no earlier than August 15, 2022. The board adopted the panel’s report and recommendation.
He was admitted in Massachusetts in 1975 but never practiced law and was administratively suspended in 1997.
The court noted his spotty employment history and a 2018 domestic violence incident that led to criminal charges and a restraining order.
Also
In addition, the board noted that Steinberg has an extensive traffic record consisting of 17 violations—most of which were for speeding. The board was troubled by Steinberg’s explanation that his issues with speeding were “nebulous” because people routinely violate speed limits and the police have wide discretion regarding when to enforce the speed-limit laws. The board did note that Steinberg has attempted to remedy the issue by using cruise control settings, even when driving on city streets.
Student loans
The board also had grave concerns related to Steinberg’s neglect of his financial responsibilities. Steinberg testified that when he graduated from law school in 1995, his student-loan debt was approximately $50,000. In the 25 years since Steinberg graduated, however, that debt has increased and is now over $80,000. Although Steinberg testified that his payments on the loan were current, he did not provide any documentation to show that he was current with any given payment plan or offer any explanation as to why the balance was increasing.
There were other financial issues.
The Court
Here, Steinberg has neglected his professional obligations in Massachusetts, resulting in the suspension of his license to practice law in that state since 1997. He has demonstrated a pattern of disregard for the traffic laws of several states, and his recent criminal-mischief conviction and related civil protection order reflect a disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of others. His 2011 state tax lien, 2015 bankruptcy filing, and the significant increase in his student-loan obligations suggest that he has also neglected his financial responsibilities. But he has failed to provide complete and accurate information about those matters that would allow this court to determine both the extent of that neglect and whether he has taken sufficient action to remedy it. Steinberg has also exhibited a disturbing tendency to blame others—including his ex-wife, a former girlfriend, and the police—for his behavior. On these facts, we agree that Steinberg has failed to prove that he currently possesses the requisite character, fitness, and moral qualifications for admission to the practice of law in Ohio.
(Mike Frisch)