Title: Disciplinary Counsel v. Grego

State: ohio

Issuer: Ohio Supreme Court

Document:

[Cite as Disciplinary Counsel v. Grego, ___ Ohio St.3d ___, 2019-Ohio-1632.] 
 
 
 
DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL v. GREGO. 
[Cite as Disciplinary Counsel v. Grego, ___ Ohio St.3d ___, 2019-Ohio-1632.] 
(No. 2019-0299—Submitted ___, 2019—Decided May 2, 2019.) 
ON MOTION TO HOLD RESPONDENT IN CONTEMPT. 
____________________ 
{¶ 1} This matter is before the court upon the filing by movant, 
disciplinary counsel, of a motion to hold respondent, Lisa Ann Grego, in 
contempt for failing to comply with a January 28, 2019 order issued by a panel 
chair of the Board of Professional Conduct ordering respondent to undergo a 
psychiatric examination.  On March 14, 2019, the court ordered respondent to 
show cause why she should not be held in contempt.  Respondent filed a response 
on March 15, 2019. 
{¶ 2} On consideration thereof, it is ordered by this court that the motion 
is granted.  Respondent, Lisa Ann Grego, Attorney Registration No. 0063540, last 
known address in Bowling Green, Ohio, is found in contempt.  It is further 
ordered that respondent is suspended from the practice of law in Ohio until proof 
is filed with this court that respondent has complied with the panel chair’s order to 
undergo a psychiatric examination     
{¶ 3} It is further ordered that respondent immediately cease and desist 
from the practice of law in any form and that respondent is forbidden to appear on 
behalf of another before any court, judge, commission, board, administrative 
agency, or other public authority. 
{¶ 4} It is further ordered that effective immediately, respondent is 
forbidden to counsel, advise, or prepare legal instruments for others or in any 
manner perform legal services for others. 
SUPREME COURT OF OHIO 
 
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{¶ 5} It is further ordered that respondent is divested of each, any, and all 
of the rights, privileges, and prerogatives customarily accorded to a member in 
good standing of the legal profession of Ohio. 
{¶ 6} It is further ordered that before entering into an employment, 
contractual, or consulting relationship with any attorney or law firm, respondent 
shall verify that the attorney or law firm has complied with the registration 
requirements of Gov.Bar R. V(23)(C).  If employed pursuant to Gov.Bar R. 
V(23), respondent shall refrain from direct client contact except as provided in 
Gov.Bar R. V(23)(A)(1) and from receiving, disbursing, or otherwise handling 
any client trust funds or property. 
{¶ 7} It is further ordered that pursuant to Gov.Bar R. X(13), respondent 
shall complete one credit hour of continuing legal education for each month, or 
portion of a month, of the suspension. As part of the total credit hours of 
continuing legal education required by Gov.Bar R. X(13), respondent shall 
complete one credit hour of instruction related to professional conduct required by 
Gov.Bar R. X(3)(B) for each six months, or portion of six months, of the 
suspension. 
{¶ 8} It is further ordered that respondent shall not be reinstated to the 
practice of law in Ohio until (1) respondent complies with the requirements for 
reinstatement set forth in the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar 
of Ohio, (2) respondent complies with this and all other orders issued by this 
court, (3) respondent complies with the Supreme Court Rules for the Government 
of the Bar of Ohio, and (4) this court orders respondent reinstated. 
{¶ 9} It is further ordered that on or before 30 days from the date of this 
order, respondent shall do the following: 
{¶ 10} 1.  Notify all clients being represented in pending matters and any 
co-counsel of respondent's suspension and consequent disqualification to act as an 
attorney after the effective date of this order and, in the absence of co-counsel, 
January Term, 2019 
 
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also notify the clients to seek legal services elsewhere, calling attention to any 
urgency in seeking the substitution of another attorney in respondent's place;  
{¶ 11} 2.  Regardless of any fees or expenses due, deliver to all clients 
being represented in pending matters any papers or other property pertaining to 
the client or notify the clients or co-counsel, if any, of a suitable time and place 
where the papers or other property may be obtained, calling attention to any 
urgency for obtaining such papers or other property;  
{¶ 12} 3.  Refund any part of any fees or expenses paid in advance that are 
unearned or not paid and account for any trust money or property in respondent's 
possession or control;  
{¶ 13} 4.  Notify opposing counsel or, in the absence of counsel, the 
adverse parties in pending litigation of respondent's disqualification to act as an 
attorney after the effective date of this order and file a notice of disqualification of 
respondent with the court or agency before which the litigation is pending for 
inclusion in the respective file or files;  
{¶ 14} 5.  Send all notices required by this order by certified mail with a 
return address where communications may thereafter be directed to respondent;  
{¶ 15} 6.  File with the clerk of this court and disciplinary counsel of the 
Supreme Court an affidavit showing compliance with this order, showing proof of 
service of the notices required herein, and setting forth the address where the 
affiant may receive communications; and  
{¶ 16} 7.  Retain and maintain a record of the various steps taken by 
respondent pursuant to this order. 
{¶ 17} It is further ordered that until such time as respondent fully 
complies with this order, respondent shall keep the clerk and disciplinary counsel 
advised of any change of address where respondent may receive communications. 
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{¶ 18} It is further ordered that service shall be deemed made on 
respondent by sending this order, and all other orders in this case, to respondent’s 
last known address. 
{¶ 19} It is further ordered that the clerk of this court issue certified copies 
of this order as provided for in Gov.Bar R. V(17)(D)(1) and that publication be 
made as provided for in Gov.Bar R. V(17)(D)(2). 
O’CONNOR, C.J., and KENNEDY, FRENCH, FISCHER, DEWINE, DONNELLY, 
and STEWART, JJ., concur. 
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