YOUNGSTOWN Girard lawyer is cleared to practice law again

One year of the suspension was suspended, and the lawyer is back at work.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A Girard lawyer whose law license was suspended for a year has been cleared to work again.
"It was quite a battle," Atty. Edward L. Carson said. "I'm not one to shy away from a fight, but I'm glad it's behind me."
The Ohio Supreme Court suspended Carson's law license for two years, effective May 8, 2000. One year of the suspension was suspended, meaning Carson could apply for reinstatement after May 8, 2001.
Court records showed that Carson continued to practice law despite having his license suspended in 1993 for failure to meet continuing legal education requirements.
Carson obtained the necessary legal education and paid a fine, but he did not apply for reinstatement, said his attorney, Charles Kettlewell of Columbus.
Kettlewell said Carson didn't realize at the time that he needed to apply. When the problem was uncovered in May 2000, Carson immediately stopped practicing, he said.
"It was in good faith that he continued to practice law for a long number of years," Kettlewell said.
Former clients: Carson, 44, said he's had to refer his former clients to other lawyers during the suspension. He hopes to start picking up new clients now that his license is reinstated.
Local judges stopped appointing Carson to represent indigent people in court after his licensing problem came to light last year.
Presiding Judge Jack Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court said Carson can now be put back on the list.
"[With] reinstatement he is entitled to full privileges," Judge Durkin said.
bjackson@vindy.com