In a decision released Friday, the court barred William Switzer from practicing law, agreeing with a referee's recommendation that Switzer had violated state rules.

In its decision, the court said it had suspended Switzer in 2008 for 18 months, saying he had violated his oath of office in dealings with some clients. The court says Switzer continued practicing and didn't tell clients that he'd been suspended.

Switzer argued that his depression should limit his punishment to suspension. But the court, noting that Switzer had ignored his 2008 suspension, says such actions undermine the court's authority and fails to protect the public.