Attorney Discipline

Disciplinary Counsel v. Steven J. Terry, Case No. 2014-2157

Cuyahoga County

The Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline (now known as the Board of Professional Conduct) has recommended that attorney and former judge Steven J. Terry be disbarred from the practice of law in Ohio. In its report to the Ohio Supreme Court, the disciplinary board concluded that Terry abused his judicial position when he committed and was later convicted of felony counts of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud, violating the Code of Judicial Conduct, Rules of Professional Conduct, and the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio.

The board's panel reviewing the case found that although Terry had no prior disciplinary history and had good character and reputation in the community, he was part of a political corruption scandal when he did a judicial favor for a public official who gave him money during his election campaign.

Attorneys for Terry contend that the panel recommended an indefinite suspension instead of disbarment, which would allow Terry to ask for reinstatement of his law license after he serves out his prison sentence and other needed requirements. They are asking the justices to implement the lesser sanction.