Ohio Attorney Fails to Answer a Bar Complaint Gets License Suspended
One of the quickest ways to have a Bar Complaint spiral out of control is by failing to respond. An attorney’s failure to respond can quickly escalate to automatic suspension—and in Hawley’s case, an outright indefinite ban.
Disciplinary Proceedings Against Kenneth Grant Hawley
- Formal Complaint Filed
On December 11, 2024, the Ohio Disciplinary Counsel filed a formal complaint (case No. 2024-042) against Hawley, alleging multiple serious violations of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct. The complaint alleged:
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- Failing to maintain communication with clients
- Missing deadlines and failing to act diligently
- Neglecting to inform clients about lacking professional liability insurance
- Violations of Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.16.
Clients cited in the complaint reported critical neglect, lack of updates, missed discovery responses, and case dismissals without notice.
- Interim Suspension for Failure to Respond
Hawley never answered or responded to the disciplinary complaint. On January 17, 2025, the Disciplinary Board certified the default. Under Ohio’s Gov.Bar R. V(14)(A)–(B)(1), this triggered an immediate interim suspension, which the Supreme Court entered on February 10, 2025.
The order mandated that Hawley:
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- Immediately cease all legal practice in any form
- Cease appearing before courts, agencies, or other authorities
- Cease advising clients or preparing legal documents
- Lose all privileges of good‑standing Ohio Bar membership.
Additionally, he was ordered to inform his current clients and opposing counsel, return client files, refund unearned fees, and complete continuing education credits during suspension.
- Conversion to Indefinite Suspension
Proceedings then moved to converting the interim suspension into an indefinite one. In an updated order dated June 30, 2025, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Hawley should be indefinitely suspended.
This extended suspension reaffirmed the February 10 prohibitions and highlighted that Hawley would remain ineligible for reinstatement until he met stringent conditions including compliance with court rules, continuing education, reimbursement of any client‑protection funds, and formal reinstatement procedures.
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