Damage, Destruction, Division = Permanent Disbarment

A Louisiana Hearing Committee has recommended that former Congressman William J. Jefferson suffer permanent disbarment as a result of his criminal conviction.

He is presently serving a prison sentence for his crimes.

On the merits

The Committee does not dignify Respondent’s contention that his conduct was undertaken in good faith with a response. The Jury Verdict is an adequate response of its own.

The committee on sanction

Respondent’s long history as a member of the bar, his obvious intelligence, success as a practicing attorney, his election and re-election by his constituents twelve times, and his distinction as both an attorney and public servant was an unparralled success story for an African-American, all as noted by Respondent in mitigation point 7. His failure to adhere to his own personal accomplishments, maintain his reputation, the damage occasioned upon his constituents, as well as our profession, has resulted in immeasurable damage, destruction, and division among us all.

(Mike Frisch)