Unduly Harsh

A Louisiana attorney who had acted as counsel in a child custody matter while on inactive status failed to participate in the ensuing bar investigation and prosecution. The Disciplinary Board recommended disbarment for the violations. While noting that the harm of the unauthorized practice was aggravated by the importance of custody matters, the Louisiana Supreme Court characterized disbarment as “unduly harsh” and suspended the lawyer for a year and one day. (Mike Frisch)