Pro Hac Applications Disclosure Issues Draw Proposed Sanction

A Louisiana Hearing Committee has recommended a year and a day suspension of an attorney based on findings of misconduct in connection with an application for pro hac vice admission in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

The findings reflect that Respondent had disclosed a previous six-month suspension in Louisiana. However, he failed to disclose an active investigation of him by the Office of Displinary Counsel and a suspension that had been recommended in that matter, as well as “previous suspensions and reprimands,”

He also failed to disclose a finding of contempt and the imposition of a Rule 11 sanction in other matters. 

Further, he was found to have failed to disclose prior sanctions in pro hac vice applications in California and Oklahoma federal matters, as well as findings of dishonesty in the Oklahoma case.

The committee noted that Respondent’s age and personal struggles are mitigating factors and commented on his plea for “compassionate release.”

any expression of remorse is tempered by open disdain for these proceedings. We find that the application of the principle of compassionate release inapplicable in this matter.

(Mike Frisch)