Top court reinstates Dann's law license

June 12, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS

The Ohio Supreme Court has reinstated former Attorney General Marc Dann’s law license, a little more than six months after it was suspended after the scandal that led to his exit from office and sub-sequent criminal convictions of him and several aides.

“Today’s decision brings to an end an incredibly challenging period of my life,” Dann said in a released statement afterward. “Since leaving public office a little more than five years ago, I have learned a great deal about the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions, and my respect for the rule of law has grown. I am also especially grateful to my colleagues, clients, family and friends for their love and support during this difficult time.”

The reinstatement was announced as part of the high court’s regular daily opinion briefing Tuesday and came three weeks after Dann asked for his license back. The court checked to ensure he was in compliance with continuing education and other requirements before making the re- instatement official.

Dann resigned in May 2008 after two women working in the attorney general’s office made sexual-harassment allegations against one of his hand-picked managers.

The situation and subsequent investigation led to the firing of two of Dann’s aides and the forced resignation of a third. All three also were convicted on criminal charges.

Dann eventually pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges, was fined $1,000, ordered to complete 500 hours of community service and barred from serving in public office for seven years.

The Ohio Supreme Court also suspended his law license for six months.

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor signed Dann’s reinstatement order, which was filed with the court clerk Tuesday. It noted that he “substantially complied” with the suspension order.

Dann has worked at a Cleveland law firm and focused on foreclosure issues since leaving public office.

“I return to working on behalf of my clients with renewed energy for standing up to the banks and big business on behalf of individuals and small businesses,” Dann said. “I intend to continue to fight the battle against wrongful foreclosures and rejoining the fight to protect the rights of hard-working people.”