The Ohio Supreme Court issued an immediate interim default suspension against attorney Katherine Hine on February 6, 2026, after she failed to respond to formal disciplinary charges filed by the state's Board of Professional Conduct.
The court's order in *Disciplinary Counsel v. Hine* (2026-Ohio-368) stems from Hine's failure to file an answer to a formal complaint pending before the Board of Professional Conduct. According to the court's decision, the board filed a certification of default on January 14, 2026, pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V(14)(A), alleging that Hine had not responded to the disciplinary charges against her.
The court noted that Hine, who holds Attorney Registration No. 0052217 and whose last known business address is in Chillicothe, Ohio, also failed to file any response to the certification of default proceedings.
Under Ohio's attorney disciplinary rules, specifically Gov.Bar R. V(14)(B)(1), the court was authorized to enter an interim default suspension when an attorney fails to respond to formal disciplinary complaints. The suspension took effect immediately upon the court's entry of the order.
The court's order contains sweeping restrictions on Hine's legal activities. The suspended attorney must "immediately cease and desist from the practice of law in any form" and is "forbidden to appear on behalf of another before any court, judge, commission, board, administrative agency, or other public authority."
Additionally, Hine is prohibited from counseling, advising, or preparing legal instruments for others, and cannot "in any manner perform legal services for others." The court's order also strips her of "each, any, and all of the rights, privileges, and prerogatives customarily accorded to a member in good standing of the legal profession of Ohio."
The suspension order does provide limited provisions for potential employment under specific circumstances. Before entering into any employment, contractual, or consulting relationship with an attorney or law firm, Hine must verify that the attorney or law firm has complied with registration requirements under Gov.Bar R. V(23)(C).
If employed under Gov.Bar R. V(23), which governs suspended attorneys working under supervision, Hine would be required to refrain from direct client contact except as specifically provided in the rule. She would also be prohibited from receiving, disbursing, or handling any client trust funds or property.
Default suspensions represent one of the most serious forms of immediate disciplinary action available to state supreme courts overseeing attorney conduct. They typically occur when attorneys fail to participate in the disciplinary process itself, regardless of the underlying allegations that prompted the original complaint.
The interim nature of Hine's suspension means it could potentially be modified or lifted if she subsequently participates in the disciplinary proceedings. However, the court's order provides no timeline for such action, and default suspensions often remain in effect until the underlying disciplinary matter is resolved.
Ohio's attorney disciplinary system operates through the Board of Professional Conduct, which investigates complaints against attorneys and can file formal charges when warranted. The Ohio Supreme Court maintains ultimate authority over attorney discipline and can impose sanctions ranging from private reprimands to permanent disbarment.
The case highlights the importance of attorney participation in disciplinary proceedings. Even when attorneys dispute the underlying allegations, failure to respond to formal complaints can result in immediate suspension of law licenses.
For attorneys facing disciplinary charges, the consequences of non-participation can be severe and immediate. Default suspensions not only prevent attorneys from practicing law but also create public records that can affect their professional reputation and future ability to practice.
The disciplinary rules require attorneys to maintain current contact information with the state bar and to respond promptly to official communications. Failure to do so can result in administrative suspensions even before substantive disciplinary matters are addressed.
Hine's case serves as a reminder to all attorneys about the critical importance of engaging with disciplinary proceedings, even when they believe the underlying charges lack merit. The procedural requirements of responding to formal complaints are separate from the substantive defenses that may be available.
The Ohio Supreme Court's order is effective immediately, meaning Hine cannot continue any legal practice while the suspension remains in place. Clients represented by suspended attorneys must seek new counsel, and any pending legal matters require immediate attention to prevent potential harm to client interests.