Background
Carrie Marie Varner, an Ohio attorney admitted to practice in 1997, submitted an application for retirement or resignation under Gov.Bar R. VI(11). The court referred the application to disciplinary counsel, whose report was filed under seal.
The matter came before the Supreme Court of Ohio while disciplinary action was pending. The public opinion does not describe the underlying alleged misconduct.
The Court’s Holding
The Supreme Court of Ohio accepted Varner’s resignation as a resignation with disciplinary action pending under Gov.Bar R. VI(11)(C). Effective August 14, 2026, the court withdrew her authority to practice law in Ohio and ordered her name stricken from the roll of attorneys.
The court barred Varner from rendering legal services or holding herself out as an Ohio attorney. It also imposed restrictions on any future work for attorneys or law firms, required her to surrender her admission certificate, and directed her to satisfy applicable client-protection-fund reimbursement obligations.
Within 30 days, Varner must take specified measures to protect clients and pending matters, including giving required notices, returning client property, refunding unearned fees, accounting for trust property, and filing an affidavit documenting compliance.
Key Takeaways
- The court treated Varner’s departure from the Ohio bar as a resignation with disciplinary action pending, not an ordinary retirement or resignation.
- Varner may no longer practice law, provide legal advice, appear as counsel, or hold herself out as authorized to practice in Ohio.
- The order requires concrete client-protection and compliance measures, including notice, file return, fee refunds, trust-property accounting, and proof of compliance.
Why It Matters
A resignation with disciplinary action pending immediately removes an attorney’s Ohio practice privileges while preserving the disciplinary character of the attorney’s departure. The order also illustrates the extensive duties imposed to protect clients, courts, opposing parties, and the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection when such a resignation is accepted.