On Friday, November 1, 2024, the Supreme Court of Ohio suspended attorney Robert Lee Moore for one year, with the suspension fully stayed under specific conditions. This disciplinary action stems from a series of ethical violations related to his representation of a client, Deanna Bodak.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Robert Lee Moore,” with case no. 2024-1106.
The charges cited Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4(a)(1), 1.4(a)(3), 1.4(a)(4), 1.16(d), and 8.1
Moore faced charges brought by the disciplinary counsel after it was revealed that he repeatedly failed to communicate with Bodak, neglected to take necessary actions on her case, and misrepresented information to both Bodak and the opposing counsel.
The Supreme Court’s ruling followed findings from the Board of Professional Conduct, which determined that Moore’s actions constituted significant breaches of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct. These included failing to act with reasonable diligence, not keeping his client informed, and engaging in dishonesty during the representation.
The case began when Bodak hired Moore after her motorcycle was involved in an accident in October 2017. Despite initial engagement, Moore failed to respond to multiple requests for updates regarding her claims against State Farm Insurance, which had denied her bodily injury claims. Over nearly four years, he did not file necessary documents, ignored court orders, and ultimately dismissed Bodak’s complaint without her knowledge.
The board’s report highlighted that Moore filed a lawsuit on the last day before the statute of limitations expired but did so without Bodak’s approval. His lack of communication persisted throughout the case, leading to a series of detrimental outcomes for Bodak, including the dismissal of her complaint due to his inaction.
In assessing the appropriate sanction, the board noted aggravating factors such as Moore’s dishonest motives, the multiple offenses committed, and the vulnerability of his client. However, there were also mitigating factors, including Moore’s clean disciplinary history and his cooperation during the proceedings. The board took into account his service in the United States Marine Corps and ongoing treatment for mental health issues, which influenced their recommendation for a stayed suspension.
The court’s decision emphasized that while the misconduct warranted serious sanctions, the unique circumstances of Moore’s case—particularly his willingness to seek help and his demonstrated good character—justified the conditional stay of the suspension. The conditions of the stay require Moore to comply with a two-year contract with the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program and to refrain from further misconduct.
The Disposition states:
“Accordingly, Robert Lee Moore is suspended from the practice of law in Ohio for one year, with the entire suspension stayed on the condition that he remain in compliance with his two-year OLAP contract and refrain from further misconduct. If Moore violates either condition of the stay, the stay will be lifted and he will serve the one-year suspension in its entirety. Costs are taxed to Moore.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Moore is a speeding & traffic ticket attorney in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. He acquired his law license in Ohio in 2006.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
