Attorney disciplined but keeps law license

LIMA — The Ohio Supreme Court placed on hold this week a one-year law license suspension of a local attorney accused of poor bookkeeping and not having malpractice insurance.

Lima attorney Nancy Schramski was placed on two years probation and given a chance to keep her law license as long as she has no further problems.

The state’s highest court found she commingled her funds with the money of clients and she failed to notify clients she did not carry malpractice insurance.

The court ordered she complete six hours of education in law practice management and proper use of a client’s trust account, and conform her office and accounting procedures to meet standards.

She also must allow her client’s trust account to be audited and provide proof she has filed all delinquent tax returns.

The matter surfaced after Schramski filed a lawsuit in April 2008 in Allen County saying she purchased numerous vehicles, made payments but never received the titles for the vehicles. She cut checks from both her trust account and her office operating account, according to records.

The checks were issued in 2003, records said.

Schramski also did not maintain appropriate recording keeping for the client trust account.

“There are no specific records for each client other than canceled checks and monthly statements,” the Ohio Supreme Court opinion said.

Schramski further used her trust account to pay non-legal related expenses including expenses related to a restaurant she co-owned and operated.

While Schramski lacked malpractice insurance she did obtain it last year, the court said.

Schramski has been an attorney since 1987.