License suspended pending state probe

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Supreme Court has suspended Warren “Bo” Pritchard’s law license, effective immediately.

The court handed down its ruling Tuesday, stating that Pritchard “engaged in conduct that violates the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and posses substantial threat of serious harm to the public.”

Pritchard has been a private- practice attorney for 25 years and an Austintown Township trustee for nearly 15 years.

He was already suspended from practicing law in the state after failing to complete a required biennial registration.

The interim remedial suspension issued by the court late Tuesday means he won’t be able to re-register until the state completes an investigation into allegations of misconduct made by the Mahoning County Bar Association.

The bar association filed paperwork with the Ohio Supreme Court on Oct. 29 seeking the suspension of Pritchard’s law license. The bar association alleges misconduct, ranging from clients who paid hundreds of dollars up front for services they never received, failing to show up for court appearances, or failing to make timely case filings.

The order states he must discontinue practicing law in any form and is forbidden to appear on behalf of another before any court, judge, commission, board, administrative agency or public authority.

“He is hereby divested of each, any and all of the rights, privileges and prerogatives customarily accorded to a member in good standing of the legal profession of Ohio,” according to the order.

The order also requires Pritchard to reimburse or refund fees or expenses paid to him in advance, to and account for any trust money or property in his possession or control. He also must notify of the suspension co-counsel, opposing counsel and clients he represented in pending cases.

In addition, Pritchard must deliver all clients’ papers or other property regardless of any fees or expense that haven’t been paid.

The order said he also must complete one hour of continuing legal education for each month of the suspension and one credit hour of instruction related to professional conduct for each six months of the suspension.

Pritchard also is required to file an affidavit showing compliance with the order and maintain a record of the various steps taken.

Pritchard will not be reinstated in Ohio until he complies with the requirements of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, as well as the orders by the Ohio Supreme Court. The court must then order his reinstatement, according to the order.