Ohio Lawyer Who Took $128K From Mentally Ill Client Suspended

An Ohio attorney who stole from and overcharged a client nearly $129,000 was indefinitely suspended by the state’s highest court.

“The presumptive sanction for an attorney’s misappropriation of client funds is disbarment,” the Ohio Supreme Court wrote April 21. But because attorney Austin Roan Buttars accepted responsibility, showed “sincere remorse,” and was committed to making things right with the client, the court instead suspended him.

The Dublin, Ohio, lawyer first began working for the client, who suffered from mental illness, alcoholism, and depression, in 2015, the court said. His then-firm agreed to represent her pro bono for $20 per month. ...