Cleveland Attorney Suspended
2009-1501. Disciplinary Counsel v. Horton, Slip Opinion No. 2010-Ohio-579
On Certified Report by the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline, No. 08-020. Debbie Kay Horton, Attorney Registration No. 0033622, is suspended from the practice of law in Ohio for two years, with one year stayed on conditions.
Moyer, C.J., and Pfeifer, Lundberg Stratton, O'Connor, O'Donnell, Lanzinger, and Cupp, JJ., concur.
Opinion: http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/0/2010/2010-Ohio-579.pdf 
(Feb. 24, 2010) The Supreme Court of Ohio today suspended the law license of Cleveland attorney Debbie Kay Horton for two years, with the second year of that term stayed on conditions, for settling a personal injury lawsuit without the knowledge or permission of her clients, forging the clients’ signatures on the settlement checks and converting the proceeds of $3,800 to her own use.
In a 7-0 per curiam opinion, the Court adopted findings by the Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline that Horton’s actions violated, among others, the state attorney discipline rules that prohibit conduct involving fraud, deceit, dishonesty or misrepresentation; conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice and conduct that reflects adversely on an attorney’s fitness to practice.
As conditions for staying the second year of her license suspension, the Court ordered that Horton must complete a course of treatment for stress management; complete 12 hours of continuing education training in law office, caseload and time management; complete one year of monitored probation and repay her clients $1,300 she charged them in fees.
Contacts
Jonathan E. Coughlan, 614.461.0256, for the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
Michael E. Murman, 216.228.6996, for Debbie Kay Horton.
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