The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board recommends a two-year suspension and restitution for misconduct in client matters and in failing to respond to the ensuing complaints.

His late submission received some consideration

Respondent indicates that he is a retired member of the Louisiana National Guard and was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He states that since his return, he has developed depression, anxiety attacks, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He is currently on medication to treat the depression and anxiety which seems to be helping him. He has been unemployed for approximately a year. He also explains that he and his family moved to Belize in November of 2018 to join his wife who is stationed in the military there. His client files are in storage and he has no access to them.

Respondent goes on to explain circumstances surrounding the client matters which are the subject of the formal charges.  In neither his letter nor his brief, did Respondent request that the deemed admitted order be recalled or that a mitigation hearing be held. Therefore, the additional facts he submits concerning each count cannot be accepted by the Board as they have not been substantiated through the hearing process or through a request to supplement the record with additional evidence as provided by Rule XIX, Section 11(F)(2). However, to the extent the information offered by Respondent is consistent with the deemed admitted facts and constitutes only argument in support of a mitigated sanction, it will be considered by the Board.

(Mike Frisch)