Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association v. Michael A. Heller, Case No. 2020-0742
Cuyahoga County

A Cuyahoga County lawyer whose office assistant stole cash from him and his clients faces a proposed one-year suspension with sixth months stayed based on the harm he and the assistant inflicted on a client.

The Board of Professional Conduct recommends that the Ohio Supreme Court suspend Michael Heller of Euclid. Heller stipulated to violating several professional conduct rules, but contests the sanctions, noting he didn't knowingly harm his client, but rather was duped by his office assistant, who stole from him and made errors that led to the client's failed bankruptcy petition.

The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, which filed the complaint against Heller with the board, supports the board's proposed suspension. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court will hear arguments by videoconference, which will be livestreamed.