Disciplinary Actions – 1/28/15

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
Leah S. Fink, of Harrison County, has received an interim suspension from the Indiana Supreme Court, per a Jan. 8 order. Fink faces methamphetamine charges in two counties. She did not file an answer to the verified petition for order of interim suspension, but she and the Disciplinary Commission filed an “Agreement to Interim Suspension.” Under the terms of that agreement, her law license would be suspended pendente lite but she would not be prohibited from maintaining a presence in a law office during her suspension. Fink has performed paralegal work for a Louisville attorney since her first arrest. The justices rejected this agreement because it runs afoul of discipline rules.

Edward T. Kemp, of Wayne County, has been suspended by the Indiana Supreme Court for noncooperation in three grievances filed against him by the Disciplinary Commission. His suspension was effective Jan. 16, although Kemp was already suspended for continuing legal education noncompliance. He must pay $525.92 for the costs of the proceedings.

David J. Sokolowski, of Elkhart County, has been suspended by the Indiana Supreme Court for noncooperation in two grievances filed against him by the Disciplinary Commission. The suspension was effective Jan. 16. He must pay $525.92 for the costs of proceedings.•