| BAR / DISCIPLINARY / ETHICS
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| 1. | Court reverses sanction against attorney in interdiction proceeding.
In the Matter of the Interdiction of Garrett J. Claybourn, 2022-C-1280 (La. 11/16/2022) [2 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 30, Issue 11
In February 2021 Francis Elizabeth Claybourn instituted this proceeding for the temporary
interdiction of her husband, 84-year-old Garrett J. Claybourn. Mrs. Claybourn ... view full summary |
| 2. | Family court judge suspended for abuse of contempt power.
In re: Judge Charlene Charlet Day, 2022-O-00886 (La. 10/21/2022) [14 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 30, Issue 10
East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court Judge Charlene Charlet Day presided over a claim for
grandparent visitation rights by Herbert and Tina Anny. The parties to the ... view full summary |
| 3. | Lawyer sanctioned for improperly billing time and expenses.
In re: Joseph B. Morton, III, 2022-B-00029 (La. 03/15/2022) [11 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 30, Issue 3
Respondent was formerly a partner of the Forman Watkins firm in New Orleans, where his
primary responsibility was the defense of Ingersoll Rand and its subsid... view full summary |
| 4. | Judge suspended without pay for extensive ex parte communications.
In re: Judge Jerry L. Denton, Jr., 2021-O-01801 (La. 03/25/2022) [37 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 30, Issue 3
Respondent is a judge of the City Court of Denham Springs. The matter came before the Court
from a recommendation of the Judiciary Commission under La. Const. art. V, S... view full summary |
| 5. | Court rejects Judiciary Commission's recommendation to remove judge from office.
In re: Judge Johnell M. Matthews, 2021-O-01078 (La. 01/28/2022) [21 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 30, Issue 1
On January 8, 2020, respondent, Judge Johnell M. Matthews, qualified for the special election
to fill the vacancy of Division "C" of the Baton Rouge City Court. The pr... view full summary |
| 6. | Court publicly censures Justice Hughes for violating Code of Judicial Conduct.
In re: Justice Jefferson D. Hughes, III, 2021-O-00771 (La. 06/30/2021) [9 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 29, Issue 6
The Court accepted a joint petition for consent discipline filed by Justice Jefferson D. Hughes,
III, and the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. The consent discipline ... view full summary |
| 7. | Court reverses fee award and affirms injunction in favor of attorney who was pushed into courthouse wall by another attorney.
Cindy Williams v. Norman S. Haley, 2020-C-00858 (La. 10/20/2020) [4 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 28, Issue 10
Plaintiff and defendant are both attorneys. In August 2018 they were present in the district
court for a hearing. Plaintiff was representing defendant's wife i... view full summary |
| 8. | Court upholds mandatory retirement age for Louisiana judges.
Judge Janice Clark v. State of Louisiana, 2020-CD-00914 c/w Judge Harry Cantrell v. State of Louisiana, 2020-CD-0915 (La. 07/21/2020) [9 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 28, Issue 7
Louisiana Constitution art. V, Section 23(B) establishes age 70 as the mandatory retirement age for
Louisiana judges. The article states: "Except as otherwise provided in ... view full summary |
| 9. | Court waives 2020 bar examination.
Louisiana Supreme Court Announcement Regarding 2020 Bar Examination, Issued July 22, 2020.
From LSCR Volume 28, Issue 7
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and under the authority of La. Const. art. V, Section 1 and the
Court's inherent power, the Court or... view full summary |
| 10. | Motion to recuse judge was properly denied as untimely.
Margaret Patricia Landry Langlinais v. Union Oil Company of California, 2020-C-0229 (La. 05/14/2020) [3 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 28, Issue 5
In 2016 the Committee to Elect Judge Marilyn Castle published a campaign advertisement
mentioning the name of plaintiffs' counsel. In April 2018 plaintiffs' counsel fil... view full summary |
| 11. | Attorney publicly reprimanded for verbal altercation in open court.
In re Ike Spears, 2019-B-1895 (La. 03/09/2020) [9 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 28, Issue 3
On August 20, 2018, Ike Spears, an attorney licensed to practice law in Louisiana, appeared
before Judge Robin Pittman of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. Mr... view full summary |
| 12. | Attorney permanently disbarred after attempting to smuggle contraband into prison and being found in possession of drugs and stolen property.
In re: Edward Duane Schertler, II, 2019-B-1025 (La. 09/24/19) [8 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 27, Issue 9
In March 2016 respondent, a Louisiana lawyer, went to the Lafourche Parish Detention
Center to visit an inmate client. Respondent attempted to ente... view full summary |
| 13. | Neither judges nor law clerk entitled to absolute judicial immunity in suit alleging mishandling of documents.
Stanley R. Palowsky, III v. Allyson Campbell, 2018-C-1105 (La. 06/26/19) [28 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 27, Issue 6 Plaintiffs filed suit against a law clerk employed by the Fourth Judicial District Court as well as certain judges of the court. Plainti... view full summary |
| 14. | Former judge suspended from practicing law after conviction for lying about residency.
In re: Yolanda Julie King, 2019-B-0356 (La. 05/20/2019) [8 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 27, Issue 5
Respondent, admitted to practice law in Louisiana, was elected in May 2013 to fill a judicial
vacancy on the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court. She was indicted in March 2014 ... view full summary |
| 15. | Judge was not governed by Code of Ethics.
Charles R. Jones v. Louisiana Board of Ethics, 2018-C-1744 (La. 03/18/2019) [2 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 27, Issue 3
Plaintiff Charles R. Jones is a retired Chief Judge of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal. As an
appellate court chief judge, he was required to serve on the state Commiss... view full summary |
| 16. | Court imposes two-year suspension on Tammany Parish lawyer who created false quitclaim deeds to acquire abandoned property.
In re: William Magee, 2018-B-0383 (La. 01/30/19) [26 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 27, Issue 2
Respondent, admitted to the bar in 1978 and a former Town Attorney for Abita Springs,
developed a scheme to obtain ownership of abandoned property. He would ... view full summary |
| 17. | Court suspends lawyer who "chest bumped" DA at conference in judge's chambers.
In re: Felix DeJean, IV, 2018-B-1333 (La. 01/30/19) [12 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 27, Issue 2
Respondent was admitted to the practice of law in 1997. In 2006 he was sanctioned for
"physical altercations and behaviors" caused by his bipolar disorde... view full summary |
| 18. | Former Assistant U.S. Attorney disbarred.
In re: Salvador R. Perricone, 2018-B-1233 (La. 12/05/18) [21 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 26, Issue 12
Respondent was admitted to practice law in Louisiana in 1979. He began employment at the
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana (USAO) in 1991 and a... view full summary |
| 19. | Court orders disbarment of attorney who made false accusations against judge, mishandled legal matters, and committed domestic abuse.
In re: Juan C. Labadie, 2018-B-1033 (La. 10/29/18) [15 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 26, Issue 10
This opinion addressed multiple charges against respondent by the Office of Disciplinary
Counsel (ODC). Respondent was a Louisiana attorney who had previousl... view full summary |
| 20. | Court rejects ODC's interpretation of duties of disclosure to tribunal.
In re: John N. Bokenfohr, 2018-B-0718 (La. 09/21/18) [4 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 26, Issue 9
Respondent learned that his client failed to produce evidence in response to a search
warrant in an ongoing criminal investigation. He counseled his client on... view full summary |
| 21. | Attorney suspended for assisting his paralegal in the unauthorized practice of law.
In re: Lionel Lon Burns, 2017-B-2153 (La. 05/0 1/18) [14 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 26, Issue 5
Exercising its original jurisdiction over bar disciplinary matters pursuant to La. Const. art. V, Section 5(B), the Court suspended respondent from the practice of law for o... view full summary |
| 22. | Attorney disbarred after multiple arrests and failure to cooperate.
In re: Debra L. Cassibry, 2017-B-2045 (La. 05/01/18) [14 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 26, Issue 5
Exercising its original jurisdiction over bar disciplinary matters pursuant to La. Const. art. V, Section 5(B), the Court disbarred respondent, an attorney admitted... view full summary |
| 23. | Attorney disbarred for conversion of settlement funds due medical provider.
In re: John Morris Dunn, III, 2018-B-0340 (La. 05/11/18) [13 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 26, Issue 5
Exercising its original jurisdiction over bar disciplinary matters pursuant to La. Const. art. V, Section 5(B), the Court disbarred respondent, an attorney admitted... view full summary |
| 24. | Court suspends justice of the peace for stalking and harassing ex-wife.
In re: Justice of the Peace Jeff Sachse, 2017-O-2008 (La. 03/13/18) [18 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 26, Issue 3
Respondent, who is not a lawyer, was elected to the office of justice of the peace for
Livingston Parish Ward I in September 1996 and has serve... view full summary |
| 25. | Physician/attorney permanently disbarred after conviction for operating pill mill.
In re: Joseph G. Pastorek II, 2017-B-1473 (La. 01/30/18) [17 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 26, Issue 1
Respondent Joseph G. Pastorek II graduated from medical school in 1977 and obtained
board certification in general obstetrics and gynecology as well... view full summary |
| 26. | Prosecutor's duty to disclose under Rule 3.8(d) is the same as under Brady.
In Re: Ronald Seastrunk, 2017-B-0178 (La. 10/18/17) [27 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 25, Issue 10
This attorney disciplinary proceeding raised an issue of first impression of whether the
ethical duty imposed on a prosecutor by Louisiana Rule of Professional... view full summary |
| 27. | Former Orleans Parish School Board member disbarred after criminal charges.
In Re: James Louis Fahrenholtz, 2017-B-0261 (La. 04/07/17) [11 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 25, Issue 4
Respondent was admitted to the practice of law in Louisiana in 1996 and has served as a
member of the Orleans Parish School Board and worked as a lobbyist. In 2009 he was ... view full summary |
| 28. | Court finds no ethical violation by judge who benefitted from supplemental insurance program, but orders some reimbursement to judicial expense fund.
In Re: Judge Darryl A. Derbigny, 2016-O-0921 (La. 01/20/17) [38 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 25, Issue 1
Respondent was elected to serve as a judge for the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in
2003 and has served continuously since that time. In January 2012, ... view full summary |
| 29. | Court permanently disbars former Lafayette assistant DA involved in bribery scheme.
In Re: Gregory F. Williams, Sr., 2016-B-1253 (La. 12/06/16) [12 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 24, Issue 12
While employed as an assistant DA for the 15th JDC, Parish of Lafayette, respondent was the
prosecuting attorney for all DWI cases disposed of by "immediate 894 plea." Thr... view full summary |
| 30. | Former member of Monroe City Council disbarred after conviction for racketeering.
In Re: Arthur Gilmore, Jr., 2016-B-0967 (La. 10/19/16) [13 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 24, Issue 10 Respondent was admitted to the Louisiana bar in 1983, elected to the Monroe City Council in 1996, and re-elected three times, most ... view full summary |
| 31. | 18th JDC judge suspended from office for one year.
In re: Judge J. Robin Free, 2016-O-0434 (La. 06/29/16) [63 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 24, Issue 7 Respondent is Judge J. Robin Free of the Eighteenth Judicial District Court for the Parishes of
Iberville, Pointe Cou... view full summary |
| 32. | 18th JDC judge suspended from office for fifteen days.
In re: Judge James J. Best, 2015-O-2096 (La. 06/29/16) [22 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 24, Issue 7 Respondent is Judge James J. Best of the Eighteenth Judicial District Court for the Parishes of
Iberville, Pointe Coupe... view full summary |
| 33. | Pointe Coupee justice of the peace removed from office.
In re: Justice of the Peace J. Roosevelt Gremillion, 2016-O-0054 (La. 06/29/16) [31 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 24, Issue 7 Respondent is Justice of the Peace J. Roosevelt Gremillion of District Seven, Pointe Coupee Parish.
The Judiciary Commission found he ... view full summary |
| 34. | Justice of the peace removed from office for failing to pay previously imposed penalty and ignoring disciplinary proceedings.
In Re Justice of the Peace Stacie P. Myers, 2016-O-0078 (La. 05/03/16) [11 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 24, Issue 5 In December 2012 the Court imposed a $1,500 civil penalty on Pointe Coupee Parish Justice of the
Peace Stacie P. Myers for a willful a... view full summary |
| 35. | Justice of the peace removed from office for violations of Code of Judicial Conduct in handling peace bond matters.
In Re: Justice of the Peace Leroy J. Laiche, 2015-O-1691 (La. 03/15/16) [40 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 24, Issue 3 Respondent, an attorney admitted to practice law in Louisiana since 1989, assumed the office of
Ascension Parish Second Justice of the... view full summary |
| 36. | Fraud exception to peremptive statute applied to malpractice claim against attorney who failed to record community property settlement and lulled plaintiff into inaction once malpractice came to light.
Tracy Ray Lomont v. Michelle Myer-Bennett, 2014-C-2483 (La. 06/30/15) [28 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 23, Issue 7 Defendant, an attorney, was hired by plaintiff to represent her in a divorce matter. Plaintiff and her
ex-husband agreed to a partial ... view full summary |
| 37. | Former Congressman William Jefferson permanently disbarred.
In Re: William J. Jefferson, 2015-B-0508 (La. 05/01/15) [6 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 23, Issue 5 Respondent is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the Second
Congressional District of Louisiana. He wa... view full summary |
| 38. | On second charge for failing to timely file financial statement, justice of the peace's actions were willful and knowing.
In Re: Justice of the Peace Kevin J. Hoffman, 2014-O-2623 (La. 04/10/15) [7 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 23, Issue 4 Supreme Court Rule XXXIX requires judges and justices of the peace to file annual financial
disclosure statements by May... view full summary |
| 39. | Shreveport City Court Judge suspended for thirty days.
In Re: Judge Sheva M. Sims, 2014-O-2515 (La. 03/17/15) [24 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 23, Issue 3 Judge Sheva Sims was elected to the Shreveport City Court in November 2011 and assumed office
the following month. One of the prosecut... view full summary |
| 40. | Justice of the peace ordered to pay fine for willfully failing to file financial statements after notice of noncompliance.
In Re: Justice of the Peace Lorne L. Landry, 2014-O-2335 (La. 03/17/15) [9 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 23, Issue 3 Supreme Court Rule XXXIX requires judges and justices of the peace to file annual financial
disclosure statements by May... view full summary |
| 41. | 18th JDC judge suspended without pay for thirty days.
In Re: Judge J. Robin Free, 2014-O-1828 (La. 12/9/14) [26 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 22, Issue 12 This matter came before the Court after an investigation and recommendation by the Judiciary
Commission concerning Judge ... view full summary |
| 42. | Justice of the peace suspended for willfully failing to file financial statements after notice of noncompliance.
In Re: Justice of the Peace Stacie P. Myers, 2014-O-1528 (La. 10/15/14) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 22, Issue 10 La. R.S. Section 24:514 requires justices of the peace to file sworn annual financial statements with the
legislative auditor by March... view full summary |
| 43. | Justice of the peace suspended without pay for handling of small claims case.
In Re: Justice of the Peace Mary Foret, 2014-O-0526 (La. 05/23/14) [8 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 22, Issue 6 Before and while she presided over a small claims case, Lafourche Parish Justice of the Peace Mary
Foret engaged in numerous ex parte ... view full summary |
| 44. | Court rejects sanction recommended against judge.
In Re Hon. Janice Gartrell Clark, 2014-O-0188 (La. 05/07/14) [16 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 22, Issue 5 This matter involved charges against Judge Janice Clark of the 19th JDC. The complaints forming
the basis of the charges were made by ... view full summary |
| 45. | Court orders disbarment where attorney converted funds owed to clients' medical providers.
In Re: LaShanda M. Robinson, 2013-B-1924 (La. 11/15/13) [14 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 21, Issue 11 This attorney disciplinary matter was instituted when two sets of formal charges were filed against
respondent by the Office of Discip... view full summary |
| 46. | Disbarred former Civil District Court judge conditionally readmitted to practice.
In Re: Craig Hunter King, 2013-OB-1310 (La. 09/20/13) [4 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 21, Issue 9 The petitioner in this matter previously served as a judge in the Civil District Court for the Parish
of Orleans. While serving as jud... view full summary |
| 47. | Former state senator disbarred.
In Re: Charles D. Jones, 2013-B-1112 (La. 09/13/13) [12 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 21, Issue 9 The respondent in this matter, a former Louisiana senator from Monroe, was admitted to practice law
in Louisiana in 1975. This di... view full summary |
| 48. | Statute withholding portion of dilatory judge's salary deemed unconstitutional.
Dionysia Prejean v. Robert T. Barousse, 2012-C-1177 (La. 01/29/13) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 21, Issue 2 Plaintiff is a party in a child custody proceeding pending in the 15th JDC. When the district court
failed to render judgment in the m... view full summary |
| 49. | 7th JDC Judge suspended for one year.
In Re: Judge Leo Boothe, 2012-O-1821 (La. 01/29/13) [46 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 21, Issue 2 Judge Leo Boothe has served as district judge in the 7th JDC, Parishes of Catahoula and Concordia,
since January 1, 1991. His most rec... view full summary |
| 50. | Firm employing former assistant D.A. disqualified from representing defendant.
State v. Shannon Clausen, 2012-KK-2167 (La. 12/14/12) [4 pp.].
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 12
In April 2011, defendant was charged in Orleans Parish with armed robbery and possession of a
firearm while in possession of ... view full summary |
| 51. | Justices of the Peace fined for failure to make financial disclosures for 2010.
In Re: Justice of the Peace Stacie P. Myers, 2012-O-1500 (La. 12/04/12) [6 pp.]; In Re: Justice of the Peace Thomas Threet, 2012-O-1501 (La. 12/04/12) [6 pp.] ; In Re: Justice of the Peace Luann Landry, 2012-O-1946 (La. 12/04/12) [7 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 12
In these separate disciplinary matters, the Court concluded that three justices of the peace willfully
and knowingly failed to com... view full summary |
| 52. | Court outlines lawyers' obligations in limited representation context.
In Re: Donald Z. Zuber and Catherine Smith Nobile, 2012-B-0916 (La. 10/16/12) [13 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 11 This disciplinary matter stemmed from a medical malpractice claim brought against Michael Teague,
M.D. in 1995. Dr. Teague's malpracti... view full summary |
| 53. | Permanent disbarment for attorney convicted of bribing judges in Mississippi.
In Re: Paul S. Minor, 2012-B-1006 (La. 10/16/12) [9 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 11 In 2007, a federal jury in Mississippi found respondent guilty of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud,
honest services fraud, racketeer... view full summary |
| 54. | Former Jefferson Parish President Broussard permanently resigns from practice of law.
In Re: Aaron F. Broussard, 2012-OB-2194 (La. 10/14/12) [1 p.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 11 In September 2012, respondent, an attorney and former Jefferson Parish President, pleaded guilty
to conspiracy and theft charges in Lo... view full summary |
| 55. | Justice Johnson to succeed to office of chief justice as judge oldest in point of service on the Court.
In Re: Office of the Chief Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court, 2012-O-1342 (10/16/12) [23 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 10 Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball will retire from the Court on January
31, 2013. As to her successor as chie... view full summary |
| 56. | Previously removed Jefferson Parish judge disbarred for three years.
In Re Joan S. Benge, 2012-B-0619 (La. 10/16/12) [7 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 10 In 2001, respondent assumed the office of district judge of the 24th JDC for the Parish of Jefferson.
In 2009, she was removed from ju... view full summary |
| 57. | Bar admission denied although petitioner completed pre-trial diversion program and was not convicted of felony.
In Re: Philip R. Pilie, 2012-OB-1846 (La. 09/28/12) [4 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 9 Petitioner, a 2007 graduate of a Georgia law school, applied to sit for the July 2007 Louisiana bar
exam. In June 2007, he made intern... view full summary |
| 58. | Court outlines requirements for arbitration clause in retainer agreement.
Jacqueline T. Hodges v. Kirk Reasonover, 2012-CC-0043 (La. 07/02/12) [25 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 7 In 2007, plaintiffs retained attorney Kirk Reasonover of Reasonover & Olinde, to represent them in
a corporate contract dispute in... view full summary |
| 59. | Court extends briefing deadlines with regard to office of Chief Justice.
In Re: Office of Chief Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court, 2012-O-1342 (La. 07/20/12) [1 p.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 7 On June 13, 2012, the Court set briefing deadlines for those Justices interested in filing briefs on the
issue of which of the current... view full summary |
| 60. | Court sets briefing deadlines with regard to office of Chief Justice.
In Re: Office of Chief Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court, 2012-O-1342 (La. 06/13/12) [1 p.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 6 Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball will retire from the Court on January
31, 2013. She will be succeeded ... view full summary |
| 61. | Former state senator permanently disbarred.
In Re: Derrick D.T. Shepherd, 2011-B-2011 (La. 06/22/12) [9 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 6 Derrick Shepherd, an attorney and former Louisiana state senator, pled guilty in 2008 to conspiracy
to commit money laundering in ... view full summary |
| 62. | Justices of the peace held in contempt of court.
In Re: Justice of the Peace Kevin J. Hoffman, 2011-O-0417 (La. 06/22/12) [2 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 20, Issue 6Kevin Hoffman is a justice of the peace in St. Bernard Parish who failed to comply with the financial
reporting requirements. As a result, the Court imposed a $200 civil penalty against him in July ... view full summary |
| 63. | Former prosecutor disbarred after accepting bribes.
In Re Flitcher R. Bell, 2011-B-1330 (La. 10/07/11) [6 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 19, Issue 10Attorney Flitcher R. Bell pleaded guilty to federal charges that while a senior prosecutor at the Baton
Rouge City Court, he accepted bribes in exchange for "fixing" criminal and traffic matters. Th... view full summary |
| 64. | More violations of Rule XXXIX by justices of the peace.
In Re: Justice of the Peace Tina Revette LaGrange, 2011-O-0714 (La. 10/25/11) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 19, Issue 10The Court recently promulgated Supreme Court Rule XXXIX, which requires the filing of annual
personal financial disclosure statements by judges and justices of the peace. The rule became effective a... view full summary |
| 65. |
In Re: Justice of the Peace David E. Cook, 2011-O-0715 (La. 10/25/11) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 19, Issue 10This case involved the failure to timely file a 2009 personal financial disclosure statement by Justice
of the Peace David E. Cook, who assumed office in Bienville Parish in 2008. The Court found th... view full summary |
| 66. |
In Re: Justice of the Peace Stacie P. Myers, 2011-O-0874 (La. 10/25/11) [11 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 19, Issue 10This case involved Justice of the Peace Stacie P. Myers, elected in Pointe Coupee Parish in 2009. The
Court found Myers failed to comply with Rule XXXIX and that her failure was willful and knowing.... view full summary |
| 67. |
In Re: Justice of the Peace Thomas "Tom" Threet, 2011-O-0875 (La. 10/25/11) [11 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 19, Issue 10Justice of the Peace Tom Threet was elected in Calcasieu Parish in 2009 and failed to timely file his
2009 financial disclosure. The Court found this failure to be willful and knowing. After being i... view full summary |
| 68. | Violations of financial disclosure requirement not willful and knowing.
In Re: Justice of the Peace Kevin J. Hoffman, 2011-O-0417 (La. 07/01/11) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 19, Issue 7The Court recently promulgated Supreme Court Rule XXXIX, which requires for the first time the
filing of annual personal financial disclosure statements by judges and justices of the peace. The rule... view full summary |
| 69. |
In Re: Justice of the Peace Charles Flaherty, 2011-O-0418 (La. 07/01/11) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 19, Issue 7Similarly, the Court found Justice of the Peace Charles Flaherty failed to file his 2009 financial
disclosures. Flaherty was elected the justice of the peace for LaSalle Parish, District 3. The Cour... view full summary |
| 70. |
In Re: Justice of the Peace Randy Thomas, Jr., 2011-O-0572 (La. 07/01/11) [8 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 19, Issue 7This third case regarding the failure of a justice of the peace to file 2009 financial disclosures
concerned Justice of the Peace Randy Thomas, Jr., elected for Red River Parish, Dis... view full summary |
| 71. | Judge Badeaux publically censured for failure to recuse.
In Re: Judge Reginald T. Badeaux, III, 2011-O-0214 (La. 07/01/11) [12 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 19, Issue 7In May 2006, Mary Sinclair filed a petition in the 22nd JDC seeking a divorce from her husband,
Cayman Sinclair, and joint custody of their minor son, Cole. The case was randomly assigned to Judge R... view full summary |
| 72. | Justice of the Peace suspended for purporting to grant divorce.
In Re: Justice of the Peace Roger Adams, 2011-O-0121 (La. 05/10/11) [12 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 19, Issue 5Over thirteen years ago, Roger Adams, who is not a lawyer, assumed the office of Justice of Peace,
Ward 7, 12th District, Parish of Avoyelles. He served continuously since that time, save a prior 1... view full summary |
| 73. | St. Bernard Parish judge sanctioned for failure to file financial disclosure statement.
In Re: Judge Jacques A. Sanborn, 2010-O-2051 (La. 11/30/10) [9 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 18, Issue 12On March 26, 2008, the Court issued an order promulgating Supreme Court Rule XXXIX, requiring
Louisiana judges and justices of the peace to file yearly financial disclosure statements which become p... view full summary |
| 74. | Former 1st JDC judge permanently disbarred.
In Re: Michael R. Walker, 2010-B-2175 (La. 11/19/10) [6 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 18, Issue 11 In 1995, Michael R. Walker assumed the office of judge of the 1st Judicial District Court for the
Parish of Caddo. In October 200... view full summary |
| 75. | David Bell: record sealed in part; proceedings moot.
In Re: Judge David Bell, 2010-O-1251 (La. 07/02/10) [4 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 18, Issue 7 On June 2, 2010, the Judiciary Commission filed a pleading with the Court recommending that Judge David Bell of the Orleans Parish Juvenile ... view full summary |
| 76. | Court prohibits judge from entering juvenile court during pendency ofproceedings and maintains seal on portion of record.
In Re: Judge David Bell, No. 2010-O-1251 (La. 06/15/10) [1 p.]
From LSCR Volume 18, Issue 6 On the recommendation of the Judiciary Commission, the Court ordered Judge David Bell, Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, disqualified from exercising any judicial function during the pendency of thesepr... view full summary |
| 77. | Disbarment ordered for former district court judge previously removed from office for judicial misconduct.
In Re: Craig Hunter King, 2009-B-1560 (La. 01/08/10) [9 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 18, Issue 1 While serving as a district judge of Orleans Parish Civil District Court, respondent personally solicited campaign contributions and req... view full summary |
| 78. | District judge removed from office.
In re: Benge, 2009-O-1617 (La. 11/6/09) [42 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 17, Issue 11 Respondent Judge Benge was elected to the Twenty-Fourth Judicial District Court in 2001. Upon taking the bench, she was assigned a pendi... view full summary |
| 79. | Judge disciplined for discourtesy to unrepresented litigants.
In re: Ellender, 09-O-0736 (La. 7/1/09) [18 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 17, Issue 8 Respondent was elected to the Thirty-Second Judicial District Court for the Parish of Terrebonne in 1982, and has been re-elected five times... view full summary |
| 80. | "Hybrid" contingency fee agreement was unfair to client; discipline imposed.
In re: Curry, 2008-B-2557 (La. 7/1/09) [34 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 17, Issue 8 This case involves the "very complex" relations between a law firm and a client over 15 years, resulting in a "hybrid contingency fee" contr... view full summary |
| 81. | Judge's membership in qualified antidrug organization improper, but no discipline imposed.
In re: Morvant, 2009-O-0747 (La. 6/26/09) [12 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 17, Issue 7 Respondent was elected in 1997 to the Nineteenth Judicial District Court and has served continuously since that time. Until December, 2002, ... view full summary |
| 82. | Discipline imposed for filing malicious prosecution claim based upon disciplinary complaint.
In re: Mordock, 2008-B-1389 (La. 6/19/09) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 17, Issue 6 Respondent Mordock was charged by ODC with filing a tort suit based upon the defendant's filing of a disciplinary complaint against Mordock'... view full summary |
| 83. | Lawyers disbarred for paying nonlawyers solely on commission for settling cases.
In re: Guirard, 2008-B-2621 (La. 5/5/09) [ 23 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 17, Issue 5 Respondents Guirard and Pittenger are partners in a law practice operating under the name of E. Eric Guirard and Associates, P.L.C. Resp... view full summary |
| 84. | Courtroom outburst and struggle merit suspension.
In re: Greenburg and Lewis, 2008-B-2878 (La. 5/5/09) [13 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 17, Issue 5 At the trial of a bitterly contested succession matter in the 32nd Judicial District Court for the Parish of Terrebonne, respondent attorney... view full summary |
| 85. | Confidentiality requirement of attorney disciplinary proceedings unconstitutional.
In re: Warner, 05-B-1303 (La. 4/17/09) [81 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 17, Issue 4 Respondent attorney Warner filed on behalf of his client a claim for workers' compensation benefits and a suit for damages for personal ... view full summary |
| 86. | Judge disciplined for ordering drug fines to be paid to schools and charities.
In re: Johnson, 2008-O-2397 (La. 1/21/09) [25pp.]
From LSCR Volume 17, Issue 2 Respondent Judge Johnson was elected to the district bench in 1999, and in 2003 took over the drug court of the 19th Judicial District C... view full summary |
| 87. | Discipline imposed for false certification of domicile on notice of candidacy.
In re: Richmond, 2008-B-0742 (La. 12/2/08) [19 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 16, Issue 12 Respondent was a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 101. On his notice of candidacy form filed in August, 200... view full summary |
| 88. | Handwritten request for service is "alteration of a public record"; discipline imposed.
In re: Dixon, 08-B-1618 (La. 12/2/08) [16 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 16, Issue 12 Respondent filed a petition for judicial partition of community property on behalf of his client, Tracey Magee. The petition did not req... view full summary |
| 89. | Antiquated statute preempted by Canon of Judicial Conduct; discipline imposed.
In re: Freeman, 2008-O-1820 (La.12/2/08) [23 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 16, Issue 12 Respondent assumed the office of Justice of the Peace, Ward 5, St. Helena Parish in January 1, 2003. While still in office, he qualified... view full summary |
| 90. | Ex parte contact with judge is unethical, even when reporting attorney misconduct.
In Re: Richard E. Lee, 07-B-2061 (La. 2/26/08) [12 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 16, Issue 3 Respondent, attorney Richard E. Lee, served as a judge of the Pineville City Court for 8 years and of the 9th Judicial District Court for 11... view full summary |
| 91. | Judicial discipline imposed.
In re: Justice of the Peace Jamie Frederic-Braud, 2007-O-1909 (1/25/2008) [12 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 16, Issue 2 Respondent Justice of the Peace Frederic-Braud assumed the office on January 1, 1997 and has served in this position continuously since then... view full summary |
| 92. | Judge suspended for "intemperate" conduct.
In re: Sassone, 07-O-0651 (La. 6/29/07) [40 pp]
From LSCR Volume 15, Issue 7 Respondent, Judge Sassone, assumed the office of district judge in 1991. In 2003 and 2004, the Commission received several complaints re... view full summary |
| 93. | Justice of the peace disciplined.
In re: Roger Adams, Sr., 07-O-0426 (La. 6/29/07) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 15, Issue 7 Respondent, Justice of the Peace Roger Adams, was first elected in 2003. In March, 2003, respondent issued warrants for the arrests of M... view full summary |
| 94. | Justice of the peace disciplined for bias.
In re: Alfonso, 2007-O-0120 (La. 5/22/07) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 15, Issue 7 Respondent Justice of the Peace Myrty Alfonso served a 6-year term from 1991 to 1996, then sat out one term, and was then reelected, and... view full summary |
| 95. | Attorney paid employee of opposing party for inside information; discipline imposed.
In re: Joseph M. Bruno, 06-B-2791 (La. 5/11/07) [12 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 15, Issue 5 In 1989, respondent was appointed one of eight members of the Plaintiffs' Legal Committee ("PLC") in the federal class action litigation... view full summary |
| 96. | Judge disciplined for failure to remain neutral during recusal hearing.
In Re: Cresap, 06-O-1242 (La. 10/17/06) [30 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 14, Issue 11 Respondent Judge Cresap assumed his judicial office in December, 1999, and has served continuously since that time. In May, 1996, oyster... view full summary |
| 97. | Allegations should not be "deemed admitted" because attorney's response is untimely.
In Re: Willard James Brown, Sr., 06-B-0895 (La. 10/17/05]
From LSCR Volume 14, Issue 10 The Office of Disciplinary Counsel ("ODC") filed one count of formal charges against respondent Brown, alleging that he neglected a client's... view full summary |
| 98. | Judge's public comments merit judicial discipline.
In Re: Judge William A. Roe, 06-O-1243 (La. 6/23/06) [12 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 14, Issue 7 In 1994, a class of oyster fishermen filed suit against the State of Louisiana and the Department of Natural Resources, asserting that their... view full summary |
| 99. | Decisional delay, accounting irregularities merit judicial discipline.
In Re: Judge Tammy Lee, 06-O-0454 (La. 7/6/06) [31 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 14, Issue 7 The Judiciary Commission filed a formal charge against respondent alleging decisional delay and also irregularities and delay in accounting ... view full summary |
| 100. | Rulings off the record, and without a hearing, merit judicial discipline.
In Re: Judge Elloie, 05-O-1499 (La. 1/19/06) [35 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 14, Issue 3 Respondent has served as a judge continuously since 1997. The facts are as follows: Defendant Brown was charged with the second degree m... view full summary |
| 101. | Justice of the peace removed from office.
In re: Cook, 2005-O-0783 (La.
6/29/05) [13 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 14, Issue 1 The Judiciary Commission charged that respondent Justice of the Peace Cook, who assumed office in 1994, has never attended mandatory justice... view full summary |
| 102. | Appearance of impropriety by judge's hiring a non-family member whom he is dating; discipline imposed.
In re: Granier, 04-O-3031 (La. 6/29/05) [6 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 14, Issue 1 The respondent judge has served continuously on the district bench since 1996. Between February, 1999 and June, 2002, respondent hired his g... view full summary |
| 103. | Prosecutor improperly withheld Brady material; discipline imposed.
In re: Jordan, 04-B-2397 (La. 6/29/05) [20 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 14, Issue 1 The ODC filed one count of formal charges against respondent, an assistant district attorney, alleging that he violated Rules 3.8(d) and... view full summary |
| 104. | Discipline imposed for accusations of impropriety against judge.
In re J. Clemille Simon, 2004-B-2947 (La. 06/29/05) [26 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 13, Issue 7 The ODC filed formal charges in three counts against respondent attorney Simon: &nbs... view full summary |
| 105. | Decisional delay not proved against judge.
In re: Judge Pamela Taylor Johnson, 2004-O-2973 (La. 6/3/05) [51 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 13, Issue 6 This complaint was made against respondent Judge Pamela Johnson, a judge in East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court, for, inter alia, fai... view full summary |
| 106. | Judicial fund-raising violation.
In re: Cannizzaro, 2005-O-0524 (La. 5/6/05) [6 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 13, Issue 5 Respondent Judge Leon A. Cannizzaro, Jr. sits on the Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit. In July, 2002, the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana ("Commission") received an anonymous complaint con... view full summary |
| 107. | Attorney suspended for overconfident representations to criminal defendant.
In re: Henry Lafont, Jr., 2604-B-2064 [La. 04-0105]
From LSCR Volume 13, Issue 5 Respondent Henry Lafont represented Robert Bone in a particularly heinous second degree murder charge. When State refused to let Bone plead... view full summary |
| 108. | Discipline imposed for failure to report prosecutorial misconduct.
In re: Riehlman, 2004-B-0680 (La. 1/19/05) [18 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 13, Issue 1 Respondent is a criminal defense attorney who was formerly employed as an assistant district attorney in Orleans Parish. One evening in ... view full summary |
| 109. | Judge suspended for appearing in public in blackface with afro wig.
In re: Ellender, 2004-O-2123 (La. 12/13/04) [19 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 12, Issue 12 Respondent Judge Timothy Ellender has been a district judge in the 32nd J.D.C. for over 20 years, and has no prior disciplinary record. ... view full summary |
| 110. | "Padding" time sheets a disciplinary violation, even where case is not billed by time.
In re: John Lawrence, 2004-B-0019 (La. 10/19/04) [11 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 12, Issue 11 Respondent Lawrence was associated with a Gretna law firm, and agreed to represent a personal injury client named Curtis on a contingent-fee... view full summary |
| 111. | Aggregate settlement requires individual consent by all clients; advance consent is not sufficient.
In re: Hoffman, 03-B-2499 (La. 9/9/04) [17 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 12, Issue 9 Respondent Hoffman was hired by Jack W. to represent him in contesting his legacy from the estate of his uncle, Milton Lorning. Lorning ... view full summary |
| 112. | District judge removed from office for intoxication.
In re Monty L. Doggett, 2004-O-0319 (La. 5/25/04) [20 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 12, Issue 6 Judge Monty L. Doggett of the 10th Judicial District Court, Parish of Natchitoches, was elected to judicial office in 1996, and was re-e... view full summary |
| 113. | Failure to notarize a document personally does not merit discipline.
In re: Hartley, 03-B-2828 (La. 4/2/04) [2 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 12, Issue 4 Respondent was charged by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel ("ODC") with several violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct. The thrus... view full summary |
| 114. | Judge disciplined for failure to issue timely rulings.
In re: Judge Marcus Clark, 2003-O-2920 (La. 02/20/04) [21 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 12, Issue 3 When Judge Marcus Clark of the Fourth Judicial District Court for the Parish of Ouachita appeared before the Judiciary Commission of Lou... view full summary |
| 115. | Judge suspended for repeated failure to recuse himself.
In re: Judge Davis, 03-O-2801 (La. 2/4/04) [22 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 12, Issue 2 Respondent Judge Davis was elected to preside in a judicial district with only one judge, in which his father was also already on the In... view full summary |
| 116. | When the entire fee is reasonable, attorney need not escrow the fee during a fee dispute.
In re: Harold D. Lucius, 03-B-2500 (La. 1/9/04) [1 p.]
From LSCR Volume 12, Issue 1 Respondent attorney was charged, inter alia, with charging an unreasonable fee and with failing to place the fee into his trust account whil... view full summary |
| 117. | Misrepresentations to court about scheduling conflict merit two-year suspension.
In re: Bailey, 03-B-0839 (La. 6/6/03) [12 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 11, Issue 7 Count 1: Respondent was representing the plaintiff in Matthews v. Creswell, 19th J.D.C. The defendants' exception of prescription was set fo... view full summary |
| 118. | Misrepresentations to court warrant permanent disbarment.
In re: Donald O. Pinkston, 2002-B-3251 (La. 5/20/03) [16 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 11, Issue 5 Respondent attorney objects to a recommendation of disbarment. In 1993, Dwayne Small, respondent's stepson, pled guilty to manslaughter in O... view full summary |
| 119. | Supplemental post-conviction application not time-barred.
State v. Sampson, 02-KP-0909 (La. 2/14/03) [1 p.]
From LSCR Volume 11, Issue 2 "Whatever the words used in its order, the district court was acting within its discretion when it in effect ordered supplementation of the ... view full summary |
| 120. | Lawyer permanently disbarred; discipline increased ex proprio motu.
In re: Morphis, 2001-B-2803 (La. 12/4/02) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 10, Issue 12 Respondent attorney was found, inter alia, to have (1) overdrawn his client trust account and converted to his own use approximately $800,000.00 of the trust funds; (2) negotiated settlements worth $... view full summary |
| 121. | Unauthorized practice of law defined.
Amendment to La. Rule Prof. Cond. 5.5, effective July 1, 2002.
From LSCR Volume 10, Issue 8The Court amended Rule 5.5 of the Rules of Professional Conduct to include in the definition of the unauthorized practice of law a lawyer's engaging as a consultant or contractor in connection with th... view full summary |
| 122. | Only permanent resident aliens may take the bar exam; overruling prior jurisprudence.
In Re: Richard John Bourke, 02-OB-1468 (La. 6/13/02) [3 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 10, Issue 6 Petitioner is an Australian citizen who has a professional visa allowing him to work in the United States until 2005. He is currently employed in a nonprofit legal organization. He applied for permis... view full summary |
| 123. | Former government attorney not prohibited from filing suit against the state.
Walker v. State, DOTD, 01-CC-2078 c/w 01-CC-2079 (La. 5/14/02) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 10, Issue 5 Attorney Vidrine was employed by the Louisiana Attorney General's office for ten years in the "road hazard division," in which he defended the DOTD against tort claims based upon road hazard. Upon hi... view full summary |
| 124. | Allowing a paralegal to adjust claims without supervision violates rules 5.3 and 5.5.
In Re: Tyr one C. Brow n, No. 01-B -28 63 (La. 3/2 2/02 ) [8 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 10, Issue 4 Respondent attorney entered into an arrangement with an "investigator" named Matthews, who had been successfully "representing" personal injury claimants to insurance adjusters. Respondent and Matthe... view full summary |
| 125. | Court declines to apply permanent disbarment rule, pretermits retroactivity issue.
In re: Leonard O. Parker, Jr., 00-B-3532 (La. 3/15/02) [10 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 10, Issue 3 In this case and in two companion cases, In re: Gros, 98-B-0772, and In re: Patrick, 01-B-1419, the respondent attorney was already disbarred when the current charges of failure to return an unearned... view full summary |
| 126. | Former judge suspended from practicing law after conviction for lying about residency.
In re: Yolanda Julie King, 2019-B-0356 (La. 05/20/2019) [8 pp.]
From LSCR Volume 5, Issue 27
Respondent, admitted to practice law in Louisiana, was elected in May 2013 to fill a judicial
vacancy on the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court. She was indicted in March 2014 ... view full summary |