IN RE: Richard L. RUSSELL (2020)

Published Order Suspending Respondent from the Practice of Law in Indiana for Noncooperation

On November 13, 2019, this Court ordered Respondent to show cause why Respondent should not be immediately suspended from the practice of law in this state for failure to cooperate with the Commission's investigation of a grievance, No. 20-0331, filed against Respondent. On December 3, 2019, the Commission filed a “Request for Ruling and to Tax Costs” asserting that Respondent still had not cooperated. On January 9, 2020, we issued an order taking this matter under advisement and providing Respondent an additional thirty (30) days in which to cooperate with the Commission's investigation. On February 10, 2020, the Commission filed a renewed request for ruling, advising that Respondent still has not cooperated.

Being duly advised, the Court ORDERS that Respondent be suspended from the practice of law for noncooperation with the Commission, effective immediately. Pursuant to Admission and Discipline Rule 23(10.1)(c)(3), this suspension shall continue until the Executive Director of the Disciplinary Commission certifies to the Court that Respondent has cooperated fully with the investigation or until further order of this Court, provided there are no other suspensions then in effect. Respondent is ordered to fulfill the duties of a suspended attorney under Admission and Discipline Rule 23(26).

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, pursuant to Admission and Discipline Rule 23(10.1)(d), that Respondent reimburse the Disciplinary Commission $520.40 for the costs of prosecuting this proceeding.

All Justices concur.