What must Ohio attorneys do if they are aware of a colleague committing a violation of professional conduct?

In Ohio, attorneys have an ethical obligation to report any knowledge of another attorney's violation of professional conduct to the appropriate disciplinary authority. This requirement is grounded in the principles of maintaining the integrity of the legal profession and ensuring that attorneys adhere to established professional standards. The Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct explicitly state that a lawyer must report a violation of the Rules by another lawyer when the violation raises a substantial question as to that lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer.

By reporting such violations, attorneys help uphold the standards of the legal profession and protect clients and the public from potential harm caused by unethical practices. The act of reporting is not only a professional duty but also serves to promote trust in the legal system as a whole. This obligation emphasizes that attorneys are not merely individual practitioners but are part of a broader community with responsibilities to one another and to the public.