Disciplinary Actions

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.

Disbarment
Marion County attorney Kirmille D. Lewis was disbarred per a Dec. 28 order for misconduct that included converting client funds, falsifying attorney registration and lying to a court. Costs of the proceeding are assessed against Lewis, who previously had been under an active order of suspension.

Suspensions
Hendricks County attorney Jeffrey B. Cooper was suspended for at least 180 days per a Jan. 17 agreed order, with 60 days served and the remainder stayed subject to completion of at least two years of probation with Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program monitoring. Among other things, Cooper accepted retainers, then failed to adequately communicate with his clients or appropriately advance their estate, title, trust, power of attorney and Veterans Administration benefits cases.

Marion County attorney Kraig A. Kenworthy was suspended from the practice of law until further order per a Jan. 11 order after he was charged with intimidation for, among other things, telling a member of court staff “someone is going to die today.” Story, Page 6.