New Ohio Laws Signed & What Firms Should Watch Next

Attorney Indefinitely Suspended After Insurance Fraud Conviction
The Supreme Court of Ohio indefinitely suspended a Youngstown lawyer following his conviction for third-degree felony insurance fraud for inflating nearly $860,000 in client medical bills. The Court denied credit for time already served under interim suspension.

Takeaway: Professional conduct and integrity cases continue to be a real exposure risk — reputationally and financially — for attorneys across practice areas.

Gov. DeWine Signs Intoxicating Hemp & Marijuana Regulatory Changes into Law
After Senate Bill 56 passed both chambers, Gov. Mike DeWine has signed it into law, banning most intoxicating hemp products at retail while adjusting adult-use marijuana regulation.

Voting Rules Revised: No Post-Election Day Mail Ballot Grace Period
On Dec. 19, Gov. DeWine signed a bill eliminating Ohio’s post-Election Day mail-in ballot grace period. Ballots arriving after Election Day will no longer count — a change with implications for election litigation and civic engagement counsel.

Takeaway: Attorneys advising clients on regulatory compliance should track these new frameworks, and appellate practitioners may see challenges tied to election law in 2026.

Firm News & Honors
RCO Law announced James E. Brazeau’s recognition as a 2026 Ohio Super Lawyer in Professional Liability, Health Care, and Business Litigation.

Professional Responsibility Developments
The Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection reimbursed victims of attorney theft, highlighting ongoing issues in client funds safety and ethical compliance.

Takeaway: Firm leaders can use recognition news to assist with business development. The reimbursement serves as a reminder to audit compliance practices before enforcement actions accumulate.

Here’s an idea you can steal.

Optimize Your Online Presence (Without Spending Big)
Many Ohio lawyers still lack basic digital credibility — even firms with solid referral flows.

Here’s a simple plan that fits any practice area:

Why it works: Being helpful online builds trust before clients call — especially in civil rights, personal injury, and small business practice areas where local search matters.

(Inspired by this week’s featured lawyer advice — see below.)

Caryn M. Groedel – Cleveland, OH
Caryn’s specialty: Employment & Civil Rights

Why she chose her specialty:
A real-estate assignment early in her career — representing a discriminatory landlord — showed her she wanted to advocate for those treated unfairly, not just clients with resources. After leading the Women’s Law Fund in Cleveland, she opened her own civil rights practice to focus on justice work.

What sets her apart:
Her firm doesn’t advertise or even have a website — all clients come from referrals from past satisfied clients.

One growth move that helped this year:
Offering clients the option of hourly or contingency fee billing gives them more financial flexibility and control.

Biggest challenge now:
Caryn lives in Florida, which makes traveling back to Ohio for cases expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable.

Her advice to other Ohio lawyers:
Build visibility with:

Until next time,

-The Ohio Brief

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