Indiana Attorney J. David Keckley Disciplined with 120-Day Suspension for Signing Forged Will

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Supreme Court of Indiana issued an order suspending attorney J. David Keckley from the practice of law for 120 days due to professional misconduct. This decision follows a disciplinary agreement reached between Keckley and the Disciplinary Commission.

The case is entitled ‘In the Matter of J. David Keckley,” with case no. 25S-DI-59.

The case stems from actions taken by Keckley in connection with a forged will created by a paralegal he employed for approximately 40 years. The paralegal’s son, who had been estranged from his two adult daughters, passed away intestate in April 2024. Following the son’s death, the paralegal fabricated a will that disinherited the daughters and appointed herself as the personal representative of the estate. Keckley, aware that the will was improperly executed, signed it as a witness and subsequently submitted it for probate.

Shortly after, Keckley filed a motion to acknowledge the son’s intestacy, admitting the will had not been validly executed. He later reported his misconduct to the disciplinary commission. In a show of goodwill, Keckley covered the funeral expenses and paid claims against the estate using his own funds, ensuring that the limited assets were distributed to the deceased’s daughters.

The court found that Keckley violated several Indiana Professional Conduct Rules, including knowingly making false statements to a tribunal and engaging in conduct involving dishonesty. As part of the disciplinary action, he will not take on any new legal matters until the suspension concludes. He will be automatically reinstated, provided there are no further suspensions. Additionally, Keckley is ordered to pay $250 in costs associated with the proceedings.

The Disposition states:

“For Respondent’s professional misconduct, the Court suspends Respondent from the practice of law for a period of 120 days, beginning May 22, 2025.”

According to avvo.com, Mr. Keckley is a probate attorney in South Bend, Indiana. He acquired his law license in Indiana in 1973.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.