Disciplinary Actions – 11/6/13

The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission brings charges against attorneys who have violated the state’s rules for admission to the bar and Rules of Professional Conduct. The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications brings charges against judges, judicial officers, or judicial candidates for misconduct. Details of attorneys’ and judges’ actions for which they are being disciplined by the Supreme Court will be included unless they are not a matter of public record under the court’s rules.

Suspension
Michael L. Lipsky, of St. Joseph County, has been suspended immediately for noncooperation with the Disciplinary Commission, per two Oct. 24 Supreme Court orders on different cases. He must reimburse the commission $1,036.66 for costs of prosecuting the proceedings.

William P. McCall III, of Clark County, has been suspended 90 days as of Oct. 24, per a Supreme Court order, with all stayed subject to completion of at least 24 months of probation with Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program monitoring. McCall was convicted of Class B misdemeanor public intoxication in July 2011 and of operating while intoxicated endangering a person as a Class A misdemeanor in 2012. The justices found he violated Ind. Professional Conduct Rule 8.4(b). The costs of the proceeding are assessed against him.

Reciprocal Discipline

James C. Kotz, of Lake County, has been suspended indefinitely from the practice of law in Indiana as a result of his suspensions in Illinois and Wisconsin. If reinstated in those states, he may file for reinstatement here. He was under an order of interim suspension at the time the justices issued the Oct. 24 order imposing reciprocal discipline.

Resignation
Christopher C. Hedges, of Lake County, has resigned from the bar, effective immediately, per an Oct. 24 order. Any disciplinary proceedings against him are dismissed as moot. The costs of the proceeding are assessed against Hedges, and he must wait five years to petition for reinstatement.•