Background
On September 28, 2026, the director of the Board of Professional Conduct filed a certified copy of a judgment entry showing that Ohio attorney Trisha Lila Chatterjee had been convicted of a felony. The opinion does not identify the offense or describe the underlying conduct.
The filing was made under Gov.Bar R. V(18), which governs interim suspensions following felony convictions. Chatterjee was licensed in Ohio under Attorney Registration No. 0103358 and had a last known business address in Springdale, Ohio.
The Court’s Holding
The Supreme Court of Ohio ordered Chatterjee suspended from practicing law on an interim basis, effective immediately. It also referred the matter to disciplinary counsel for investigation and the commencement of disciplinary proceedings.
The court ordered Chatterjee to stop providing legal services, appearing for others, handling client trust funds or property, and exercising the privileges of an Ohio lawyer. It also imposed continuing-education, client-notification, file-return, fee-refund, recordkeeping, and compliance-affidavit requirements, and directed that she not be reinstated unless she satisfies the governing rules and the court affirmatively orders reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- A certified felony-conviction entry triggered Chatterjee’s immediate interim suspension under Gov.Bar R. V(18).
- The order is interim rather than a final disciplinary sanction; disciplinary counsel must investigate and commence further proceedings.
- Chatterjee must protect current clients’ interests, account for client funds and property, complete required continuing legal education, and satisfy all reinstatement conditions before returning to practice.
Why It Matters
The order illustrates Ohio’s procedure for promptly removing a lawyer from practice after proof of a felony conviction while reserving final discipline for later proceedings. It also underscores that an interim suspension carries immediate operational duties designed to protect clients, courts, and the public.