Age-Associated Cognitive Decline And Bar Discipline

The problems of the aging attorney were addressed in a disciplinary decision issued yesterday by the Ohio Supreme Court.

The attorney was charged with ethical violations in his handling of an estate matter. During the course of his testimony, he was "confused" in recounting his work. As a result, he agreed to submit to an  examination by a medical professional.

The examination resulted in a diagnosis that the 71-year-old attorney suffers from "age-associated cognitive decline."

The court found that the condition was neither a mitigating factor nor a mental illness and imposed a two-year suspension with 18 months stayed on conditions. (Mike Frisch)