The Ohio Supreme Court reinstated Geauga County Juvenile and Probate Court Judge Tim Grendell to the practice of law June 8, according to recent case announcements.
The Ohio Supreme Court reinstated Geauga County Juvenile and Probate Court Judge Tim Grendell to the practice of law June 8, according to recent case announcements.
Grendell was suspended from the practice of law for six months last November in connection with judicial misconduct in a case in which he ordered two teenage boys detained after they refused to see their father.
According to court records, he applied for reinstatement May 21, stating in an affidavit that during his six months off the bench, he did not engage in the practice of law or commit further misconduct, among other assertions.
The filing also included certificates showing completion of continuing legal education, a receipt for $23,879 in court fees and letters supporting his reinstatement.
“I have known Tim for over 45 years, having practiced law with him when was an associate … and as a partner, at Taft Stettinius and Hollister, then serving with him in the Ohio General Assembly for over a decade, and more recently, in his capacity as the leader of the Ohio Probate Judges Committee,” Rep. Bill Seitz (R- Hamilton County) wrote. “Having seen him in so many different capacities, I can say that he is among the most brilliant lawyers I have ever known and that, current unfortunate suspension circumstances aside, he has displayed sound judicial temperament and an earnest desire to improve the lives of those with whom he interacted as judge.”
Seitz added that law has been Grendell’s “constant companion,” and said other judges have praised his intelligence, advocacy and leadership.
“He is at the tail end of a long and distinguished career as a partner in two of Ohio’s most prominent law firms, as a member of the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate, and as a long-serving and oft-reelected judge in his home county,” he said. “It would be a disservice for him to be effectively placed in the penalty box for the remainder of his final term. He has behaved himself and followed all the restrictions of his suspension, and has suffered staggering financial loss in the process. I urge you to grant Judge Grendell the reinstatement that he seeks.”
A second letter from Lorain County Probate Judge James Walther offered similar support.
“Judge Grendell has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing the work of probate courts and supporting fellow judges,” Walther wrote. “His efforts with educational programming, including the development and promotion of the Good Deeds Program, have provided meaningful tools to both the public and members of the judiciary.”
Grendell conducted himself professionally throughout his suspension and is capable of resuming his judicial duties, Walther added.
