Top court stays suspension of Boardman lawyer's law license

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Supreme Court has unanimously given Atty. Thomas E. Zena of Boardman a one-year, fully stayed suspension from law practice because it found he neglected his clients’ business in several civil cases.

The suspension is stayed on the conditions that Zena attend at least three hours of continuing legal education on law office management within 90 days, be observed by a law-practice monitor for one year, make $3,000 in restitution within 90 days to a couple he represented, and commit no further misconduct.

If he violates these conditions, he’ll have to serve the one-year suspension.

“Much of Zena’s misconduct occurred during a time of great turmoil in his personal life,” the top court said without elaboration. Zena has no prior discipline in his 41-year legal career.

Zena testified in the disciplinary proceeding that he intends to focus on his criminal defense practice and limit his civil practice. Zena was in court this morning and could not be reached for comment.