83 Ohio St. 3d 302 | Ohio | 1998
We adopt the findings and conclusions of the board. In Warren Cty. Bar Assn. v. Bunce (1998), 81 Ohio St.3d 112, 689 N.E.2d 566, we said that in imposing a sanction, we will take into account the duty violated, the mental state of the lawyer, the actual or potential injury caused by the misconduct, and the existence of mitigating factors. The duty violated here is to refrain from compensating a third party to promote the use of a lawyer’s services. While
On previous occasions we have imposed an indefinite suspension when attorneys have paid non-lawyers for referrals. Cincinnati Bar Assn. v. White (1997), 79 Ohio St.3d 491, 684 N.E.2d 29; Cincinnati Bar Assn. v. Rinderknecht (1997), 79 Ohio St.3d 30, 679 N.E.2d 669. Each of those cases, however, involved additional violations of the Disciplinary Rules. Respondent’s conduct in this case did not involve other disciplinary infractions and respondent, who has had an otherwise exemplary record, appeared remorseful. Respondent is hereby suspended from the practice of law in Ohio for one year. Costs taxed to respondent.
Judgment accordingly.