Disciplinary Actions: Jan. 1-March 28, 2022
Read a summary of disciplinary decisions handed down by the Indiana Supreme Court during the first quarter of 2022.
Attorney Discipline
Articles
Pro se attorney gets public reprimand from justices for direct email to opposing party
Describing an Indianapolis lawyer as “his own worst enemy” when it comes to electronic communications, a split Indiana Supreme Court has issued a public reprimand after the lawyer sent a threatening email directly to an opposing party rather than working through another lawyer. A dissenting justice, however, said the rule in question in this issue of first impression does not apply to pro se lawyers like the attorney who was disciplined.
Immigration attorney suspended again for unauthorized practice of law
An Indianapolis attorney already on probation following a suspension will have to serve the remaining balance of her suspended time after she was found to have practiced law while under a reciprocal suspension order.
Lying to client about filing lawsuit gets Indy attorney at least 1-year suspension
An Indianapolis attorney has been suspended from the practice of law for no less than one year without automatic reinstatement after he lied to a client about filing a lawsuit on her behalf and failed to inform her that she may have had an actionable malpractice claim against him.
7th Circuit demands Seymour attorney answer for conduct at appellate court
An appeal of a federal court’s ruling in a dispute with the IRS has a Hoosier attorney facing sanctions after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals found he “pressed frivolous arguments” and engaged in conduct contrary to professional standards.
Seymour lawyer suspended for false statements against judge
A Seymour attorney has been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for knowingly making false statements about a judge’s qualifications.
IN Supreme Court converts Fort Wayne lawyer’s suspension to without automatic reinstatement
A Fort Wayne lawyer set to be reinstated to the practice of law in Indiana on Saturday has instead been ordered to petition for reinstatement after failing to fulfill the duties of a suspended lawyer.
Indy attorney already under CLE suspension now suspended for noncompliance
An Indianapolis attorney already under a suspension for CLE noncompliance is now facing an additional suspension for failing to cooperate with a disciplinary investigation action filed against him.
Threatening to expose intimate photos gets attorney 90-day suspension
Angola attorney Allen R. Stout has been suspended from the practice of law for three months with automatic reinstatement after he was found to have deliberately deceived and bullied a woman who was seeking a protective order against his client.
Valpo attorney put on indefinite suspension for noncooperation
The Indiana Supreme Court has indefinitely suspended Valparaiso attorney Bryan M. Truitt from practicing law in Indiana for failing to cooperate with a disciplinary investigation against him.
Indianapolis attorney reinstated after suspension for lying on law school, bar applications
An Indianapolis attorney who was previously suspended for lying on his law school and bar admission applications may once again practice law in the Hoosier State.
Supreme Court suspends 2 attorneys following convictions
Two Hoosier lawyers have been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana following criminal convictions in 2021.
Oakland City attorney indefinitely suspended
An Oakland City attorney has been indefinitely suspended from the Indiana bar for her continued failure to cooperate with an ongoing disciplinary investigation against her.
Evansville attorney suspended for check deception
An Evansville attorney has been suspended from the practice of law after pleading guilty to check deception, the Indiana Supreme Court has announced.
Former deputy prosecutor suspended for battery conviction
A former Marion County deputy prosecutor convicted of battery has been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for 120 days.
Suspended Indy attorney suspended again for noncompliance
Attorney J. David Massey has been suspended for failing to cooperate with the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission’s investigation of a grievance filed against him.
Attorney suspended without automatic reinstatement for misconduct resulting in 12 rule violations
Carmel attorney P. Adam Davis has been suspended from the practice of law for one year without automatic reinstatement after the Indiana Supreme Court found he violated 12 professional conduct and admission rules arising from two separate disciplinary actions.
Southern Indiana attorney reprimanded for representing opposing parties in criminal matter
Carla Ginn, a solo practitioner in Scottsburg, has been publicly reprimanded for violating the prohibitions against conflict of interest by simultaneously representing a father, the alleged perpetrator, and his son, the alleged victim.
Indianapolis attorney suspended, ordered to refund client’s retainer
Indianapolis attorney Loren Comstock has been suspended from the practice of law for 120 days effective Dec. 14 for failing to provide competent representation and to keep his client reasonably informed about the progress of her federal lawsuit against her former employer and labor union.
Justices reprimand Plainfield lawyer, former bar foundation leader for ‘materially limited’ representation
The Indiana Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded a former Indianapolis Bar Foundation president for his role in providing legal advice to a former client despite being “materially limited” by his own personal interest in the matter.