2101.41 Prohibition.

2101.41 Prohibition.

No probate judge shall practice law, be associated with another as partner in the practice of law in a court or tribunal of this state, prepare a complaint or answer, make out an account required for the settlement of an estate committed to the care or management of another, or appear as attorney before a court or judicial tribunal. Whoever violates this section shall forfeit his office.

The deputy clerk of a probate court may engage in the practice of law if his practice is not related in any way to probate law or practice. The deputy may engage in the practice of law only with the continued consent and approval of all of the judges of the probate court.

A referee appointed solely to conduct hearings under Chapters 5122. and 5123. of the Revised Code may engage in the practice of law, including probate law, except that he shall not practice law under these chapters other than as a referee and shall not knowingly accept any business arising out of or otherwise connected with a proceeding in which he served as a referee under these chapters.

The prosecuting attorney shall file his information against a judge or deputy clerk who practices law in violation of this section in the court of common pleas, and proceed as upon indictment.

This section does not prevent a probate judge or deputy clerk from finishing business commenced by him prior to his election or appointment, provided it is not connected with his official duty.

Effective Date: 03-16-1978