Background
The Board of Professional Conduct certified Walter James McNamara’s default to the Supreme Court of Ohio on February 24, 2026. The court imposed an interim default suspension on March 20 under Gov.Bar R. V(14)(B)(1).
The court then ordered the parties to show cause why the interim suspension should not be converted into an indefinite suspension. No objections were filed, and the court considered the matter on the certification of default.
The Court’s Holding
The Supreme Court of Ohio indefinitely suspended McNamara from practicing law under Gov.Bar R. V(14)(E)(1). He must immediately stop practicing law, representing others before tribunals and public authorities, advising clients, preparing legal instruments, and otherwise providing legal services.
The court also imposed continuing-education, client-protection reimbursement, notice, file-return, fee-refund, accounting, and reporting obligations. McNamara may not be reinstated unless he satisfies the governing reinstatement rules, complies with the court’s orders and Ohio bar rules, and obtains an order from the court reinstating him.
Key Takeaways
- An interim default suspension may be converted into an indefinite suspension when the respondent does not successfully oppose that action.
- McNamara must notify clients, cocounsel, opposing counsel, adverse parties, and relevant courts or agencies of his suspension and take specified steps to protect client interests.
- Reinstatement is not automatic; it requires compliance with all applicable rules and orders and an express reinstatement order from the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Why It Matters
The order illustrates the serious consequences of default in an Ohio attorney-disciplinary proceeding. Beyond losing the right to practice indefinitely, a suspended lawyer must wind down pending representations, safeguard client property and funds, satisfy continuing-education requirements, and reimburse qualifying awards made by the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection.