Six attorneys fined over education rule

Special to The Vindicator

COLUMBUS – Atty. Michael J. McBride of the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office was one of six local attorneys to recently pay fines to the Ohio Supreme Court for violating continuing education requirements.

McBride paid a $150 fine for failing to file a continuing education report during the 2005-06 reporting period.

“This is not a disciplinary action,” said Dennis Whalen, a spokesman for the high court. “It’s a smack on the knuckles.”

He said it’s more administrative in nature.

The court sends out warnings and gives the attorneys a chance to pay the fine or explain why they shouldn’t be fined.

McBride has no previous disciplinary history. He has been licensed to practice law in Ohio since 2002.

Other local attorneys who paid the fines include David A. Mascio, $680; Brian J. Macala, $315; Michael A. Sakmar, $230; and Kathleen Thompson, $150.

Columbiana County attorney Ian Robinson paid $150.

Nearly 170 attorneys and judges from throughout Ohio and the United States also paid the fines. Attorneys registered to practice law in Ohio must meet continuing education requirements and file a report. Attorneys are also required to re-register every two years.