Thefts Draw Permanent Disbarment

An attorney’s misconduct drew an order of permanent disbarment from the Louisiana Supreme Court

In their reports, the hearing committee and the disciplinary board concluded that respondent’s offenses are so egregious that he should be permanently prohibited from applying for readmission to the bar. We agree. The deemed admitted facts and supporting documentary evidence indicate that respondent converted approximately $70,000.  Respondent converted funds belonging to multiple clients, negotiated a settlement check with the forged endorsement of a client, failed to forward funds owed to a medical provider, and converted funds belonging to co-counsel. Respondent also failed to make restitution to any client or third party. This conduct amounts to repeated or multiple instances of intentional conversion of client funds with substantial harm, as required by Guideline 1 of the permanent disbarment guidelines set forth in Supreme Court Rule XIX, Appendix E.

Respondent’s conduct demonstrates a disregard for his clients and for his duties as an attorney. In order to protect the public and maintain the high standards of the legal profession in this state, we find respondent’s license to practice law in this state must be revoked, and he must permanently forfeit any opportunity to return to the practice of law in the future. Accordingly, we will adopt the board’s recommendation and permanently disbar respondent. We will also order respondent to make restitution to his former clients and to third parties, as appropriate.

 (Mike Frisch)