“Failed Miserably”

A Louisiana Hearing Committee recommends that a previously-imposed probation be revoked

On May 23, 2023 Rothkamm was suspėnded by the Louisiana Supreme Court from the practice of law for one year and one day. His suspension was deferred in its entirety, subject to his successful completion of a two-year period of supervised probation governed by the conditions set forth in the Petition for Consent Discipline. A probation plan was executed. Any failure on the part of Rothkamm to comply with the conditions of probation, or any misconduct during the probationary period, could be grounds for making the deferred suspension executory, or imposing additional discipline, as appropriate. In Re: Chester J. Rothkamm, Jr., 23-00513, (La. 5/23/23), 360 So.3d 834.

Based upon the stipulated facts, the Hearing Committee finds that the stipulation demonstrates that Rothkamm has failed miserably to comply with the mandates of the Louisiana Supreme Court as well as his probation plan. Rothkamm was given a chance by the Court to prove his worthiness to practice law. Rothkamm has now lost this chance. He stipulates he has not complied with the terms of his probation.

Recommendation

the Hearing Committee understands this proceeding and is limited to the issue of whether to revoke Respondent’s probation. However, given the gravity of the additional misconduct present in this matter, the Committee would recommend a sanction greater than a one-year and one-day suspension and recommend restitution to Mr. Mark Hidalgo if it had the authority to do.

Among the stipulated facts in a property sale

Respondent violated Rule 3.3(a)(1) and 8.4(c) by advising Judge Penelope Richard on April 23, 2025, via Zoom hearing, that the funds belonging to Mark Hidalgo totaling $144,479.43 were not in Respondent’s IOLTA account because Respondent’s CPA misappropriated funds from the IOLTA account, even though Respondent knew Respondent had converted the funds for his own use.

The stipulation confirms that the funds have not been paid to Mr. Hidalgo notwithstsanding a court order to do so. (Mike Frisch)