Opinion
No. 91-2406
Submitted March 17, 1992 —
Decided June 10, 1992.
ON REPORT of the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness of the Supreme Court of Ohio, No. 71.
In January 1991, Gail P. Carr-Williams, who is licensed to practice law in Michigan, applied to be admitted to the practice of law in Ohio without examination. The Admissions Committee of the Columbus Bar Association investigated Carr-Williams' character and fitness and recommended that her application be approved. However, pursuant to its authority under Gov.Bar R. I(9)(B)(2)(e), the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness of the Supreme Court of Ohio determined that Carr-Williams' application required further investigation. The board appointed a panel that heard the matter on November 14, 1991.
The evidence presented to the panel established that Carr-Williams neither reported nor made her quarterly estimated federal income tax payments as required for 1984 through 1989. Moreover, although Carr-Williams filed annual returns, she failed to completely satisfy her federal income tax obligations for several years of this period and now owes the Internal Revenue Service approximately $98,000 in taxes, interest, and penalties. Further, Carr-Williams paid only part of her Michigan income taxes due for 1985, 1988, and 1989, and now owes approximately $14,000 to that state. Carr-Williams also failed to satisfy a consent judgment for a hospital bill incurred in 1983.
Based on this evidence, the panel found that Carr-Williams had neglected her financial responsibilities. See Gov.Bar R. I(10)(D)(3)(k). The panel recommended that Carr-Williams' application be disapproved and that she not be permitted to reapply for admission until January 1, 1993. Upon such reapplication, the panel recommended that Carr-Williams be required to show her compliance with the arrangements she has made to satisfy her outstanding debts for a period of twelve months. The board adopted the panel's report.
Charles W. Kettlewell, for applicant.
Vorys, Sater, Seymour Pease and Jonathan R. Vaughn, for the Columbus Bar Association Admissions Committee.
Timothy J. Ucker, Special Investigator, for the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness.
Having reviewed the record, we agree with the board's finding that Gail P. Carr-Williams has not established her present eligibility for admission to the practice of law in Ohio. We also agree with the board's recommendation. Therefore, Carr-Williams' application is disapproved, and she may reapply pursuant to the conditions stated by the board.
Order accordingly.
MOYER, C.J., SWEENEY, HOLMES, DOUGLAS, WRIGHT, H. BROWN and RESNICK, JJ., concur.