Background
On August 26, 2026, the director of the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct filed a certified copy of a judgment entry showing that Ohio attorney Matthew N. Currie had been convicted of a felony. The filing was made under Gov.Bar R. V(18), which governs disciplinary action following an attorney’s felony conviction.
The matter came before the Supreme Court of Ohio on the certified entry of conviction. The order did not adjudicate the ultimate professional-discipline charges or describe the underlying felony; it addressed Currie’s status while disciplinary authorities investigate and commence further proceedings.
The Court’s Holding
The Supreme Court of Ohio ordered Currie suspended from practicing law on an interim basis, effective August 27, 2026, under Gov.Bar R. V(18)(A)(4). It referred the matter to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel for investigation and the commencement of disciplinary proceedings.
The court ordered Currie to cease all forms of legal practice immediately, including appearing for others, giving legal advice, preparing legal instruments, and performing other legal services. It also imposed conditions governing any employment with an attorney or law firm, continuing-legal-education obligations, reimbursement of qualifying Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection awards, and reinstatement.
Within 30 days, Currie must take specified steps to protect clients and pending matters, including notifying clients, cocounsel, opposing counsel, courts, and agencies; returning client property; refunding unearned fees; accounting for trust property; and filing an affidavit documenting compliance. He may not resume practice unless he satisfies the applicable rules and orders and the court affirmatively reinstates him.
Key Takeaways
- A certified felony-conviction judgment triggered Currie’s immediate interim suspension under Ohio’s attorney-discipline rules.
- The order bars Currie from practicing law in any form and requires prompt notice and file-transfer measures to protect clients and pending proceedings.
- The suspension is interim: disciplinary counsel must investigate and commence proceedings, and Currie can return to practice only through a future court-ordered reinstatement.
Why It Matters
The order illustrates the immediate professional consequences that can follow an Ohio lawyer’s felony conviction. The court may remove the attorney from practice before the final disciplinary outcome while directing disciplinary counsel to pursue the underlying matter.
For clients, cocounsel, and opposing parties, the order also provides a structured transition process intended to safeguard files, funds, deadlines, and representation during the suspension.