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An Indiana attorney has been suspended from the practice of law for not cooperating with an Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission investigation into grievances lodged against him.
The Indiana Supreme Court suspended Thomas M. Green, a Westfield-based attorney for the Law Office of Thomas M. Green, after he failed to cooperate with the commission during their investigation into allegations of professional misconduct.
“Unfortunately, a combination of stress and other commitments caused me to fail in my duties to my clients back in January. I have as a result of that episode, stepped away from the practice to focus on my own mental health and priorities, and will not return until I can be certain I can meet the standards of practice required by the Bar and by myself, Green told Indiana Lawyer. “I’ve previously utilized the services of JLAP, and while that was very helpful, I think ultimately I need to step away from the practice. I am deeply sorry for my failings on behalf of my clients, and hate that this incident mars what was otherwise a fulfilling 19 years of practice.
The disciplinary commission is currently investigating two cases against him, according to court records.
On May 15, the executive director of the commission issued a notice letter to Green demanding written response be sent to the Grievance Committee of the Indianapolis Bar Association. The notice was mailed to Green using the address of record on the Roll of Attorneys. The original notice bounced back to the commission for being not deliverable as addressed.
A second notice was delivered to another address listed on the Roll of Attorneys, but that one was also returned.
A notice was sent via email but has gone unanswered.
In September, Green was ordered to show cause as to why he should not be suspended immediately from the practice for not cooperating with the investigation.
Green failed to respond to that order and an Oct. 29 “Request for Ruling and to Tax Costs” filing, which stated he was still not cooperating.
Green’s suspension is effective immediately, Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush ruled on Dec. 13.
His suspension is in place until the executive director of the commission certifies to the supreme court that Green has cooperated fully with the investigation or until the court issues another order on his cases.
Green is under a suspension for continuing legal education noncompliance and dues nonpayment, Rush wrote. He is ordered to fulfill the continuing duties of a suspended attorney under Admission and Discipline Rule 23(26).
He must also reimburse the disciplinary commission $547.34 for the costs of prosecuting one of his two cases. He will not be charged separately for the second case.
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