Disciplinary Counsel v. Eric C. Deters, Case No. 2020-1497
Board on the Unauthorized Practice of Law

The Board on the Unauthorized Practice of Law has filed a report with the Ohio Supreme Court based on the actions of Eric Deters, a "permanently retired" lawyer who cannot practice law in Ohio. The board found that Deters in January and April of 2018 gave two clients legal advice related to an auto accident case.

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel investigated the complaint and charged Deters with six counts alleging the unauthorized practice of law (UPL). The UPL board dismissed two of the counts, and recommends that the Supreme Court find he engaged in the unauthorized practice of law on the other four counts. The board's panel that heard the case suggested an order prohibiting Deters from engaging in the practice of law plus a $6,500 civil penalty, but the board determined a $13,000 civil penalty was warranted.