Engler reprimanded for sex with a client

The court said Engler had sex with a client on two occasions.
By MICHELE HLADIK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- Lawyers who have sex with clients face public reprimand, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled Wednesday in a case involving Atty. David Engler, a former Mahoning County commissioner.
"We generally impose a public reprimand when a sexual relationship develops during an attorney-client relationship if the affair is legal and consensual and has not compromised client interests," the unanimous decision read.
"Therefore, we find the recommended sanction appropriate. [Engler] is therefore publicly reprimanded."
In 2004, Engler, of Boardman, began handling the divorce case of a 28-year-old client.
According to court documents, Engler learned the woman was an artist and arranged to buy a couple of paintings by crediting $400 of the $1,000 in legal fees the client owed him for legal services.
On two occasions that fall, Engler and his client reportedly shared consensual sex at his home.
According to court documents, Engler told the client they could not have a relationship as long as he acted as her attorney. Engler reportedly made note of these conversations for the client's file.
Later that fall, the client terminated the professional relationship the two shared, and Engler returned the paintings and the money the client paid for his legal services, according to the high court's decision.
Engler's response
In response to the reprimand announced Wednesday, Engler sent a faxed statement declaring the matter finished.
"This completely resolves a dispute that occurred two years ago with a client," Engler wrote.
"This does not affect my law practice or my law license. I have no further comment."
According to the high court's decision, the decision to reprimand was also based on the fact Engler had no prior disciplinary record, made prompt restitution and cooperated with the investigation and proceedings.
The decision did not indicate who notified the court about Engler's sexual relationship with a client.
A graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Engler began practicing law in Ohio in 1985. He served as county commissioner from 1993 to 1999.
Engler serves on the Mahoning County Educational Service Center board.