On Thursday, October 2, 2025, the Disciplinary Counsel filed a complaint against Ebonie Michelle Martin with the Board of Professional Conduct of the Supreme Court of Ohio, alleging violations of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct.
The complaint, case number 2025-024, centers on misappropriation of client funds, mismanagement of her client trust account (IOLTA), failure to communicate with clients regarding settlement proceeds, and practicing law while serving as a full-time magistrate.
Martin was admitted to the practice of law in Ohio on November 17, 2014, and registered The Martin Law Firm, Ltd. on December 4, 2014. She served as a magistrate on the Franklin County Probate Court from May 6, 2024, through April 1, 2025.
The complaint details three specific cases: Smallwood, Bateman, and Mendenhall. In the Smallwood matter, filed on behalf of Montana Smallwood, who was injured in a car accident in 2021, Martin allegedly negotiated a settlement of $85,856.40 plus $5,000 in medical payments with Allstate Insurance Company. She is accused of forging Smallwood’s endorsement on the settlement check, depositing it into her IOLTA account, and then transferring the funds to her business operating and personal accounts. The complaint states that Martin did not inform Smallwood about the settlement, failed to prepare an accurate closing statement, and did not maintain proper ledgers. As of October 18, 2023, the IOLTA balance was $297.40, while Martin should have held at least $57,237.87 in trust for Smallwood. It is alleged that Martin ignored Smallwood’s attempts to contact her and misrepresented the status of the case to referring attorney Kia Wrice.
In the Bateman matter, involving Latisha Bateman’s minor son, E.M., who was injured in 2022, Martin allegedly settled a personal injury claim with Progressive Insurance for $25,000. She filed an application with the Franklin County Probate Court to approve the settlement, proposing a distribution plan. The court approved the settlement on March 28, 2024. Martin is accused of endorsing the check without Bateman’s knowledge, depositing the funds into her IOLTA account, and then transferring the funds to her operating account. The court sent correspondence to Martin regarding the overdue Report of Distribution and Verification of Deposit. As of May 31, 2024, the IOLTA balance was $275.06, while Martin should have held at least $16,667 in trust for E.M. Martin then filed a Motion to Withdraw as Counsel, citing her judicial appointment.
In the Mendenhall matter, Merwyn Mendenhall was injured in 2018. Martin filed a lawsuit on Mendenhall’s behalf, later voluntarily dismissing and refiling it. After becoming a magistrate on May 6, 2024, Martin continued to represent Mendenhall, participating in a mediation on June 18, 2024, which resulted in a $25,000 settlement. Martin is accused of forging Mendenhall’s endorsement on the settlement check and depositing the funds into her operating account instead of her IOLTA. She allegedly misappropriated the funds for personal and business expenses. The complaint states that Martin falsely informed opposing counsel that she was having difficulty locating Mendenhall to execute the release.
The Disciplinary Counsel is requesting that Martin be found in violation of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct and be sanctioned accordingly. Martin owes restitution of $85,856.80 to Montana Smallwood, $25,000 to Bateman, and $25,000 to Mendenhall.
According to Martindale, Ms. Martin is a lawyer in Columbus, OH. She acquired her law license in Ohio in 2014.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
