Background
The Board on Professional Responsibility lodged a petition seeking the indefinite suspension of District of Columbia attorney David J. Ontell from the practice of law based on disability under D.C. Bar R. XI, § 13(a). Disciplinary Counsel moved for permission to file the petition under seal because it contained sensitive medical information.
No response was filed to Disciplinary Counsel’s motion. The matter initially bore case number 26-BS-0667, reflecting its confidential status before the court entered the suspension order.
The Court’s Holding
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals granted leave to file the Board’s petition under seal and granted the petition. It indefinitely suspended Ontell from practicing law in the District of Columbia on disability grounds, effective immediately.
The court also held any pending investigations or other disciplinary matters against Ontell in abeyance under D.C. Bar R. XI, § 13(g), and directed his attention to the rules governing suspended attorneys and reinstatement. Sua sponte, it changed the case number to 26-BG-0667 because the matter ceased to be confidential upon entry of the suspension order, while keeping the petition itself under seal.
Key Takeaways
- Ontell was indefinitely suspended from practicing law in the District of Columbia based on disability.
- The suspension took effect immediately, and pending disciplinary investigations or proceedings were placed in abeyance.
- The suspension order became public, but the underlying petition remained sealed because it contained sensitive medical information.
Why It Matters
The order illustrates the District of Columbia’s procedure for disability-based attorney suspensions, which removes an attorney from practice while pausing unresolved disciplinary matters. It also shows how the court can make the suspension itself public while protecting confidential medical information supporting the petition.