News Summary
Cincinnati attorney Kenneth Grant Hawley faces an indefinite suspension from the Ohio Supreme Court due to serious complaints regarding ineffective communication and negligence in client cases. The suspension follows multiple client grievances highlighting missed deadlines and lack of professional liability insurance. Hawley’s failure to respond to complaints ultimately led to the court’s ruling, raising major concerns about ethical standards in law practice.
Cincinnati Attorney Kenneth Grant Hawley Indefinitely Suspended by Ohio Supreme Court
In a shocking turn of events, the Ohio Supreme Court has imposed an indefinite suspension on longtime Cincinnati lawyer Kenneth Grant Hawley. This decision was prompted by a complaint filed against him in December that went largely ignored for months, raising concerns about his ability to ethically practice law.
Hawley, who has been a fixture in Cincinnati’s legal landscape since 1979, has built a reputation by specializing in civil, personal injury, and employment law. He has represented many notable clients over the years, including former Cincinnati Veterans Affairs chief Dr. Barbara Temeck, who passed away in 2021 amid controversy surrounding her management practices. Despite his illustrious career, recent complaints have revealed troubling allegations regarding his professional conduct.
Communication Failures Lead to Client Complaints
The complaints against Hawley detail a series of alarming instances in which he allegedly failed to communicate with multiple clients effectively. One client described being unable to reach Hawley for an astonishing year. Her case against a landlord concerning mold and unfit living conditions fell into disarray due to Hawley’s missed discovery deadlines and lack of guidance. Shockingly, her case was dismissed and refiled three times, all without her knowledge.
Another individual accused Hawley of failing to respond to her inquiries for an entire year after her late husband’s employer denied benefits. Frustrated by the escalating lack of communication, she filed a malpractice lawsuit against him, which Hawley did not acknowledge. A judge ultimately awarded her a whopping $110,000 in damages, yet Hawley failed to respond to the ruling as well.
A third client joined the growing list of grievances, alleging that Hawley neglected critical deadlines in an employment discrimination lawsuit, leading to the dismissal of her case due to lack of response on his part. To add to his woes, the complaint further noted that Hawley did not maintain the required professional liability insurance while representing clients and neglected to inform them of this fact.
Legal Consequences of Inaction
Due to the serious nature of these complaints and Hawley’s blatant disregard for them, the Ohio Supreme Court granted an interim suspension after he ignored the complaint for two months. He remained utterly silent throughout the process, never acknowledging either the original complaint or the interim suspension order. His continued inaction culminated in the court’s final ruling on June 30, indefinitely suspending him from practicing law.
Kentucky Attorney Ben Dusing Suspended for Three Years
In a related development in nearby Kentucky, attorney Ben Dusing faces his own legal troubles. The Kentucky Supreme Court has handed him a three-year suspension from practicing law, which is set to begin on September 26, 2024. Dusing previously represented former Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor and recently lost his bid for the Kenton County Family Court Judge seat in 2022.
The suspension arises from recommendations made by the Kentucky Bar Association concerning family court proceedings involving Dusing’s children. His situation escalated after a controversial Facebook video surfaced, wherein he allegedly threatened violence against a court employee and expressed aggressive sentiments towards his former wife’s attorney. Although the video has since been removed, its contents remain a part of court documents, leaving a troubling impression of Dusing’s conduct.
Despite these allegations, Dusing has taken a moment to engage in humanitarian work in Ukraine during his suspension, perhaps seeking redemption in a different light.
Clyde Bennett II Faces New Ethical Allegations
In another twist in Cincinnati’s legal scene, Clyde Bennett II, having been previously suspended for misconduct six years ago, finds himself entangled in fresh ethical allegations. The state attorney discipline board has filed a complaint against Bennett related to his handling of a case involving convicted drug dealer LeLon Campbell.
While Bennett did not represent Campbell in his federal case, he allegedly submitted misleading documents regarding Campbell’s plea withdrawal in a Hamilton County drug trafficking case. Claims suggest that Bennett filed false statements to manipulate the implications of a guilty plea that he knew would affect Campbell’s case.
A hearing to assess the allegations is set for April 9, 2025, in Columbus, where Bennett will have the opportunity to defend himself against the serious allegations that threaten to tarnish his already troubled legal career.
Implications for Cincinnati’s Legal Community
The strife within Cincinnati’s legal community raises profound questions about the ethical standards upheld by its practitioners. With Hawley’s indefinite suspension, Dusing’s impending three-year hiatus, and Bennett’s renewed allegations of unethical conduct, it is clear that the legal profession in this area is under intense scrutiny.
As these cases develop, they serve as a stark reminder of the vital importance of communication and accountability within the legal field, reinforcing the need for attorneys to uphold the highest standards of practice for the benefit of their clients and the justice system as a whole.
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Additional Resources
- NKY Tribune
- Wikipedia: Ohio Supreme Court
- Cincinnati Enquirer
- Google Search: Kenneth Hawley lawyer cincinnati
- LINK nky
- Google Scholar: Ben Dusing attorney suspension
- WCPO
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal Ethics
- Dayton Daily News
- Google News: Clyde Bennett attorney allegations
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