Court Opinion

ID: 9371069
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-02-15 14:06:46.82067+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:16:25.185126
License: Public Domain

[Cite as Cleveland Metro. Bar Assn. v. Gottehrer, ___ Ohio St.3d ___, 2023-Ohio-433.]

         CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN BAR ASSOCIATION v. GOTTEHRER.
     [Cite as Cleveland Metro. Bar Assn. v. Gottehrer, ___ Ohio St.3d ___,
                                    2023-Ohio-433.]
  (No. 2009-1918—Submitted February 7, 2023—Decided February 15, 2023.)
                          ON PETITION FOR REINSTATEMENT.
                                ____________________
        {¶ 1} This cause came on for further consideration upon the filing on
August 1, 2022, of a petition for reinstatement by respondent, Blaine L. Gottehrer,
Attorney Registration No. 0027147. In accordance with Gov.Bar R. V(25)(E),
respondent’s petition for reinstatement was referred to the Board of Professional
Conduct. The board filed its final report in this court on December 9, 2022,
recommending that respondent’s petition for reinstatement be granted subject to
conditions. No objections to said final report were filed, and this cause was
considered by the court.
        {¶ 2} Upon consideration thereof, it is ordered by this court that the petition
for reinstatement of respondent is conditionally granted. Respondent, Blaine L.
Gottehrer, last known address in Mayfield Heights, Ohio will be reinstated to the
practice of law in Ohio upon respondent providing proof that he has taken and
passed the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) and this court
orders respondent reinstated. It is further ordered that respondent’s reinstatement
is subject to the following conditions: (1) prior to or within the first 30 days
following his reinstatement, respondent shall provide proof to relator that he has
completed the free, one-hour continuing legal education IOLTA webinar available
through the Office of Disciplinary Counsel’s website at odc.ohio.gov/cle; (2) prior
to or within the first 30 days following his reinstatement, respondent shall contact
the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program (“OLAP”), submit to an evaluation if
                              SUPREME COURT OF OHIO

recommended by OLAP, and comply with any recommendations provided by
OLAP; (3) respondent shall retake the oath of office; and (4) respondent shall
cooperate, for a period of not less than one year following his reinstatement, with
one or more monitors, approved by relator, who are experienced in the practice of
domestic relations, bankruptcy and/or real estate law, and whose assignment shall
be to monitor the progress of respondent’s legal work, client relations, and
compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
        {¶ 3} It is further ordered by the court that respondent be taxed the costs of
these proceedings in the amount of $529.80, less the deposit of $500, for a total
balance due of $29.80 payable, by cashier’s check or money order, by respondent
on or before 90 days from the date of this order. If costs are not paid on or before
90 days from the date of this order, interest at the rate of ten percent per annum will
accrue until costs are paid in full. It is further ordered that if costs are not paid in
full on or before 90 days from the date of this order, the matter may be referred to
the attorney general for collection and respondent may be found in contempt and
suspended until all costs and accrued interest are paid in full. It is further ordered
that respondent is liable for all collections costs pursuant to R.C. 131.02 if the debt
is certified to the attorney general for collection.
        {¶ 4} 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)(E)(1) and that publication be
made as provided for in Gov.Bar R. V(17)(E)(2).
        {¶ 5} For earlier case, see Cleveland Metro. Bar Assn. v. Gottehrer, 124
Ohio St.3d 519, 2010-Ohio-929, 924 N.E.2d 825.
        KENNEDY, C.J., and FISCHER, DEWINE, DONNELLY, STEWART, BRUNNER,
and DETERS, JJ., concur.
                                _________________

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