Disciplinary Counsel v. Richard Barbera, Case No. 2020-1199
Medina County

A Medina lawyer, whose alleged mishandling of a child support modification case twice contributed to his client spending time in jail, faces an 18-month suspension with 12 months stayed.

The Board of Professional Conduct recommends that the Ohio Supreme Court suspend Richard Barbera, noting that some of his actions took place while he was on probation following a 2017 suspension.

Barbera disputes some of the charges against him, and maintains the Court has issued one-year, fully stayed suspensions for attorneys who committed misconduct similar to his. The Supreme Court is obligated to hear objections to board recommendations. Because of the COVID-19 health crisis, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case by videoconference, which will be livestreamed.