Reinstatement Endorsed By Former Disciplinary Counsel And Monks
A Louisiana Hearing Committee has recommended reinstatement of an attorney who has been suspended for 28 years after admitting to trust account violations caused by a compulsive gambling problem
Mr. Constantino testified with remarkable candor and sincerity. He showed a diverse range of emotions while testifying. He was sad and contrite when recalling his transgressions. His demeanor clearly evinced the remorse he had for his actions. To say his discipline was a humbling experience for him is a gross understatement. He accepted full responsibility, blamed no one but himself, and made no excuses for it. On the other hand, when he spoke of his current employment and “simple” life with the monks, he was exuberant. He clearly relishes his current role which provides him with a unique opportunity to use his talents for worthy causes.
Most importantly, Mr. Constantino explained that he did not always enjoy practicing law. It certainly wasn’t anything that was missing in his life. He probably never would have reapplied, but the monks at the Abbey requested he do so in order to be able to serve as in-house counsel for them. He currently utilizes his undergraduate degree in accounting and lives about five hundred yards from the monastery with his wife and children. The monks testified they would benefit from his reinstatement, and they were willing to pay for this process in order to utilize another of his talents. They could hire another attorney, but they “knew his heart” and preferred it be him whenever possible, “because you can’t buy that.” Mr. Constantino has also researched what would be required of him by the Arkansas Bar Association.
A good bet
According to the uncontradicted testimony of Mr. Constantino, he has not placed a bet since 1996. Doctor Heather Kleckinger provided a detailed report (R5) and characterized Mr. Constantino as a “low” (the lowest threshold possible) risk of relapse. She gave a detailed history of Mr. Constantino’s gambling compulsion history, the detrimental effects it had on him and his family, and like everyone else, recognized and applauded his candor. He continues to attend GA meetings, although his current residence is in a remote area of Arkansas and that is somewhat of a hinderance. When he does have the opportunity to participate, he does and actually enjoys them. He is also prudent about not getting too compulsive about anything, including stress from projects at work. He has to make a conscious decision to put the task in perspective.
Positive testimony from the former Chief Disciplinary Counsel
Charles B. “Chuck” Plattsmier- Mr. Plattsmier was also regarded as a friend, and Mr. Constantino had remained in contact with him. Mr. Plattsmier reported this was a unique situation and not one he generally found himself in after taking another attorney’s license to practice law. He also unequivocally supported the reinstatement.
And from the Benedictines
Abbot Elijah Owens- Abbot Owens testified remotely by audio-visual transmission. Abbot Owens is the Head of the Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas, which is a Benedictine Missionary establishment, and where Mr. Constatino has been
employed as the procurator for approximately two decades. Subiaco Abbey has approximately forty Benedictine monks who live in a monastic community and follow the Rule of St. Benedict, seeking God through prayer, work and communal life. As procurator, Mr. Constantino financially oversees all aspects of an extremely large budget that allows the monastery to do everything from running a boarding school to missionary work. He is required by Abott Elijah to be “humble, wise, temperate and honest” due to the position of great trust. He has unequivocally earned the trust and respect from this community, and also ascribes to their code of honor and ethics. He vouched for Mr. Constantino “without hesitation or reservation.”
Fr. Jerome Kodell- Fr. Kodell also testified by audio-visual transmission. He was the leader (“Abott”) of the monastery for twenty-five years and was originally the person who hired Mr. Constantino. He also praised Mr. Constantion as being a trusted asset to their community.
(Mike Frisch)