In the legal profession, a lawyer’s responsibility extends beyond the courtroom; it includes a duty to cooperate with the very bodies that regulate their conduct. The disciplinary case of Indiana attorney Thomas M. Green serves as a powerful reminder of this fundamental principle. His recent indefinite suspension from the practice of law was not the result of a single grave error but rather a cumulative failure to communicate and cooperate.
The disciplinary action against Green stemmed from two grievances filed against him with the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission. When the commission reached out for an explanation, Green failed to respond. This lack of cooperation is a serious breach of an attorney’s duty. The Disciplinary Commission is tasked with investigating complaints to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the profession. When an attorney stonewalls that process, they essentially hinder the very system designed to ensure they are fit to practice.
In December 2024, the court took the first step, issuing an immediate suspension for Green’s noncooperation. The court gave him a chance to respond, but when more than 90 days passed with still no communication from Green, the court took more drastic action. In April 2025, it converted his suspension to an indefinite one.
This case is particularly telling because it highlights how a lawyer can lose their license not for a single act of wrongdoing, but for a systemic failure to meet their professional obligations. Green was already under a separate suspension for failing to comply with continuing legal education requirements and unpaid dues. The latest suspension underscores a pattern of non-compliance, suggesting a fundamental disregard for the rules that govern the legal profession.
To regain his license, Green must now actively engage with the Disciplinary Commission, address the issues that led to the grievances, and successfully petition the court for reinstatement. He was also ordered to pay the commission over $500 for the costs of prosecuting one of the cases.
The case of Thomas M. Green is a cautionary tale for all lawyers. In the face of a grievance or a disciplinary inquiry, silence is not an effective strategy. In fact, as this case proves, it is a surefire way to lose the privilege of practicing law. The profession demands accountability, and that starts with a willingness to engage, even when the conversation is difficult.