On Monday, May 12, 2025, the Supreme Court of Ohio suspended attorney Susan Lawrence Butler from practicing law following her felony conviction. The court’s decision imposes an interim suspension effective immediately, barring Butler from all legal activities in the state.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Susan Lawrence Butler,” with case no. 2025-0631.
Butler was ordered to cease practicing law in any capacity, including representing clients before courts, commissions, or other public authorities. She is also prohibited from providing legal counsel or preparing legal documents for others. The court stripped Butler of all rights and privileges typically granted to a licensed attorney in good standing.
The Supreme Court referred the matter to disciplinary counsel for further investigation and the initiation of formal disciplinary proceedings. Butler must comply with several requirements, including notifying all clients and co-counsel of her suspension and advising them to seek alternative legal representation. She is also required to return any client property or documents and refund unearned fees. Within 30 days, Butler must notify opposing counsel or parties in ongoing litigation of her disqualification and file notices with relevant courts or agencies.
Additionally, Butler is mandated to complete one credit hour of continuing legal education for each month of her suspension, including one credit hour of professional conduct training every six months. She must also reimburse any awards made by the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection within 90 days of the court’s order or subsequent notices.
The court requires Butler to submit an affidavit within 30 days, confirming compliance with these directives and providing proof of service for required notifications. She must maintain records of her actions and keep the court and disciplinary counsel informed of any address changes. Butler cannot be reinstated until she meets all reinstatement requirements outlined in the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio.
The Disposition states:
“Upon consideration thereof and pursuant to Gov.Bar R., it is ordered and decreed that the respondent, Susan Lawrence Butler, Attorney Registration No. 0082811, last known business address in Cincinnati, Ohio, is suspended from the practice of law for an interim period, effective as of the date of this entry.”
According to Avvo.com, Ms. Butler is a civil rights attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law. She acquired her law license in Ohio in 2007.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
