DAYTON, Ohio -- An attorney will soon have his day in court, where he will plead to keep his law license.

Derek Farmer is an attorney in Columbus who may lose his license for allegedly mishandling a client’s case. The state Supreme Court will hear his appeal next week.

Farmer made headlines in Dayton earlier this year for a controversial appearance. Off-duty police officers protested outside Farmer’s speech to a youth group.

Thirty years ago, Farmer was convicted in the death of a Dayton police officer and a local civil rights leader.

He became an attorney after spending 18 years in prison.