The Ohio Supreme Court indefinitely suspended attorney Cam Ryan Stanley from practicing law after he defaulted in disciplinary proceedings brought by the Board of Professional Conduct. The court's order, filed Jan. 13, 2026, in case No. 2025-0990, converts an earlier interim suspension into an indefinite prohibition on all legal practice.
The disciplinary action began when the Board of Professional Conduct filed a certification of default with the Ohio Supreme Court clerk on July 31, 2025. Following standard procedure for attorney discipline cases, the court imposed an interim default suspension on Stanley on Aug. 27, 2025, pursuant to Gov. Bar R. V(14)(B)(1). The interim suspension temporarily barred Stanley from practicing law while the court considered whether to make the suspension indefinite.
After imposing the interim suspension, the court ordered all parties to show cause why the temporary measure should not be converted to an indefinite suspension. Stanley failed to file any objections or response to the show cause order, leading the court to proceed with its consideration of making the suspension permanent.
The court's final order, issued under Gov. Bar R. V(14)(E)(1), indefinitely suspends Stanley, whose attorney registration number is 0098936 and whose last known business address was in Paulding, Ohio. The suspension carries comprehensive restrictions that effectively strip Stanley of all attorney privileges and prohibitions on legal practice.
Under the court's order, Stanley must immediately cease all legal practice in any form. The order specifically forbids him from appearing on behalf of any client before courts, judges, commissions, boards, administrative agencies, or other public authorities. These restrictions ensure that Stanley cannot represent clients in any legal proceedings, whether in state or federal court, administrative hearings, or other official proceedings.
The suspension also prohibits Stanley from providing legal advice, counseling clients, or preparing legal instruments for others. This broad restriction prevents him from offering any type of legal services, including drafting contracts, wills, or other legal documents. The order removes Stanley's ability to perform any function that would constitute the practice of law.
The court's order strips Stanley of all rights, privileges, and prerogatives normally accorded to attorneys in good standing in Ohio. This comprehensive divestment means Stanley loses access to attorney-only resources, professional associations, and other benefits of bar membership. He cannot hold himself out as an attorney or use any title suggesting he is licensed to practice law.
The order includes specific provisions regarding potential future employment in the legal field. Before entering any employment, contractual, or consulting relationship with an attorney or law firm, Stanley must verify that the prospective employer has complied with registration requirements under Gov. Bar R. V(23)(C). If employed under Gov. Bar R. V(23), which allows suspended attorneys to work in limited non-attorney roles, Stanley must refrain from direct client contact except as specifically permitted under those rules.
The case illustrates the consequences attorneys face when they fail to respond to disciplinary proceedings. Default suspensions typically occur when attorneys do not participate in disciplinary processes, either by failing to respond to complaints or by not appearing for hearings. The disciplinary system relies on attorney cooperation, and failure to engage can result in automatic sanctions.
Stanley's indefinite suspension means he cannot practice law until he successfully petitions for reinstatement, if ever. Reinstatement procedures typically require demonstrating fitness to practice, including showing rehabilitation, paying any outstanding fees or fines, and meeting continuing education requirements. The indefinite nature of the suspension places the burden on Stanley to initiate reinstatement proceedings rather than providing an automatic restoration date.
The Board of Professional Conduct, which initiated the disciplinary action, serves as Ohio's attorney disciplinary agency. The board investigates complaints against attorneys and prosecutes cases involving alleged professional misconduct. When attorneys fail to respond to disciplinary proceedings, the board can seek default judgments to protect the public from potentially harmful attorney conduct.
The Ohio Supreme Court maintains exclusive jurisdiction over attorney discipline in the state. The court's disciplinary system aims to protect the public, maintain the integrity of the legal profession, and deter attorney misconduct. Default suspensions serve as an enforcement mechanism when attorneys fail to engage with the disciplinary process.
Stanley's case demonstrates how attorney discipline proceedings can escalate quickly when attorneys do not respond appropriately. What began with a disciplinary complaint resulted in an indefinite suspension that effectively ends his legal career until he takes affirmative steps toward reinstatement. The case serves as a reminder to attorneys about the importance of responding to disciplinary proceedings and maintaining communication with regulatory authorities.