A Pastor And A Merchandiser For Frito Lay

An attorney who was disbarred in 1998 should be denied reinstatement, according to a recommendation by a Louisiana Hearing Committee

In conclusion, the committee finds that Mr. Williams has not satisfied his burden by clear and convincing evidence, that he has the requisite integrity or fiscal responsibility to be readmitted to the practice of law in Louisiana. The evidence and testimony presented confirm that Mr. Williams has not made restitution to Ms. Mona Lisa Herbert Fluker or her daughter, Rondricka Hunter as required in the original decree of disbarment (ODC Exhibit 1) despite efforts by the ODC, at the request of Ms. Fluker and Ms. Hunter, to facilitate communications. Instead, Mr. Williams repeatedly attempted to justify, without proof, his reasons for not making restitution over the last twenty-five years.

The evidence and testimony presented regarding Mr. Williams’ tax returns and applications for professional licenses, including his request to sit for the Alabama Bar, show that Mr. Williams looks for loopholes, attempts to cut corners and blames others for providing him with misinformation. The shifting of responsibility for his misunderstanding of several legal procedures and his failure to even review the exhibits prepared by ODC are inconsistent with the degree of knowledge and responsibility that come with the practice of law. It is the opinion of the committee that reinstating Mr. Williams’ license to practice law in Louisiana would only set him up to commit the same or similar mistakes for which he was disbarred initially and would be detrimental to any potential clients. Therefore, the committee recommends that Mr. Williams’ petition and application for readmission to the practice of law be Denied.

Since disbarment

Mr. Williams stated that he currently lives in Alabama with his wife. Although he claims he plans to return to New Orleans, he admitted that his wife may not have the same intent. He did admit to coming to New Orleans monthly to visit his mother. Since moving to Alabama, he has worked as a pastor, an insurance agent and a merchandiser for Frito Lay. He first applied for readmission to the Louisiana State Bar in July 2005. He was displaced before the ruling due to Hurricane Katrina and when he did receive the ruling denying his request for readmission a few months later, he did not have any plans to return to the New Orleans area.

(Mike Frisch)