The Supreme Court of Ohio has suspended Dayton attorney David E. Stenson for one year, with six months stayed, due to neglect in handling client matters, including failing to file a lawsuit on time. This marks the second suspension for Stenson; he previously received a fully stayed six-month suspension in June 2014 for similar neglect.
In its decision, the Court emphasized that "an actual suspension from the practice of law is necessary to protect the public" due to Stenson's prior disciplinary issues and his refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing. Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy and Justices Patrick F. Fischer, R. Patrick DeWine, Michael P. Donnelly, Melody Stewart, and Joseph T. Deters supported this opinion while Justice Jennifer Brunner did not participate.
The Cincinnati Bar Association filed a complaint against Stenson in 2022 after allegations surfaced regarding his mishandling of a client's estate case. The complaint was later amended in 2023 when another client reported losing her right to sue due to Stenson's failure to act promptly.
Arnesta Russell consulted with Stenson in October 2020 about injuries from a fall at Macy’s department store but lost her case because he missed filing deadlines. Shaunice Grim hired him in May 2020 for estate administration services but faced delays due to his actions.
The Board of Professional Conduct found that Stenson violated professional conduct rules by failing to consult adequately with clients and keep them informed about their cases' status. He also failed to disclose his lack of professional liability insurance.
Stenson attempted to shift blame onto his clients during proceedings and only refunded payments on the morning of his disciplinary hearing. The board recommended suspension with conditions such as completing legal education focused on law office management and undergoing an assessment by the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program.
The Court concurred with these recommendations and ordered Stenton to cover disciplinary proceeding costs as part of Case No. 2023-0041: Cincinnati Bar Association v. Stenson.