IN RE: J. David KECKLEY (2025)

Published Order Approving Statement of Circumstances and Conditional Agreement for Discipline

Pursuant to Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 23(12.1)(b), the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission and Respondent have submitted for approval a “Statement of Circumstances and Conditional Agreement for Discipline” stipulating agreed facts and proposed discipline as summarized below.

Stipulated Facts: Respondent has employed “Paralegal” for about 40 years. In 2017, Paralegal's “Son” went through a contentious divorce that led to Son's estrangement from his two daughters, who are now both adults. After Son died intestate in April 2024, Paralegal created a forged will, purportedly executed on September 18, 2023, that sought to disinherit Son's two daughters and make Paralegal the devisee and personal representative of the estate. Respondent and another person signed the will as witnesses. Respondent signed the will despite knowing it was not properly executed. Respondent submitted the will for probate and opened an estate in May 2024. At the same time, he filed a Trial Rule 87 affidavit falsely averring the submitted will was a true and accurate copy of Son's last will and testament.

Less than a week later though, Respondent filed a motion to set aside the will and adjudge that Son died intestate, acknowledging that the submitted will was unduly executed. The following day, Respondent self-reported his misconduct to the Commission. In the following months, Respondent covered Son's funeral expenses and paid claims against the estate with his own funds, and he took steps to ensure that the estate's limited assets were properly delivered to Son's two daughters.

Violations: The parties agree that Respondent violated these Indiana Professional Conduct Rules prohibiting the following misconduct:

3.3(a)(1): Knowingly making a false statement of fact to a tribunal.

8.4(c): Engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.

8.4(d): Engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.

Discipline: The parties propose the appropriate discipline is a 120-day suspension with automatic reinstatement. The Court, having considered the submissions of the parties, now approves the agreed discipline.

For Respondent's professional misconduct, the Court suspends Respondent from the practice of law for a period of 120 days, beginning May 22, 2025. Respondent shall not undertake any new legal matters between service of this order and the effective date of the suspension, and Respondent shall fulfill all the duties of a suspended attorney under Admission and Discipline Rule 23(26). At the conclusion of the period of suspension, provided there are no other suspensions then in effect, Respondent shall be automatically reinstated to the practice of law, subject to the conditions of Admission and Discipline Rule 23(18)(a).

The costs of this proceeding are assessed against Respondent. Pursuant to the parties’ stipulation, the Court hereby orders Respondent to pay $250.00 by check made payable and transmitted to the Clerk of the Indiana Supreme Court. The Clerk shall retain those funds in their entirety upon receipt.

All Justices concur.