Three attorneys practicing in the greater Houston area have been sanctioned by a disciplinary panel due to misconduct, according to a report Monday from the Texas Bar Association.

Jimmy Wayne Ballew Jr., 38, of Houston, agreed to a three-year suspension beginning Mar. 15 based on the findings of the grievance committee of the State Bar of Texas, according to the report. The panel determined that Ballew settled a legal matter without his client's permission, did not keep the client reasonably informed, failed to provide enough explanation on a matter for the client to make informed decisions, and was dishonest and deceitful in his conduct. The disciplinary committee ordered him to pay $2,500 in attorneys' fees and direct expenses.

Ballew did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.

In another action by the board, Jeremiah David Canady, 38, of Friendswood, agreed to a nine-month probated suspension beginning April 1 after the committee found that he had neglected a legal matter he took on, failed to promptly answer requests for information and failed to refund advance payments of fees he did not earn. The Harris County regional committee ordered him to pay $500 in restitution and $500 in attorneys' fees and direct expenses.

The finding means he can continue to work as a lawyer, but must comply with terms of probation set by the board. Canady, whose practice had faced more severe sanctions prohibiting him from legal practice in 2016, said this situation coincided with a period in which he was immobilized by a back condition, suffered chronic pain and panic attacks and could not maintain his workload.

"I let a bunch of clients slip," he said. "I shouldn't have done that."

He said he has undergone treatment and is actively building up his practice while on probation.

Conroe attorney Pattie Jo Nolan was suspended for 24-months for improper professional conduct after a Feb. 14 ruling. Nolan was given a 24-month probated suspension effective March 1 for continuing to practice law during a period she had been administratively suspended for nonpayment of dues and taxes and failure to respond to request from the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel. The panel ordered her to pay $1,500 in attorneys' fees and direct expenses, according to the Texas Bar Journal.

She will be able to continue her legal practice during the suspension as long as she abides by the terms of her probation, the state bar said. Nolan was not immediately available for comment.