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The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board celebrates its 25th Anniversary with NOTA BENE, Latin for "note well." Each month N.B. will feature ethics, professionalism and board developments.

How it Works: The Filing of Formal Charges

After the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) has screened and thoroughly investigated a complaint alleging attorney misconduct, if ODC determines that clear and convincing evidence of misconduct exists, it can pursue formal charges.  Formal charges are public allegations of attorney misconduct, which are prosecuted by ODC before a hearing committee of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board.


Recent Decisions From the Louisiana Supreme Court

IN RE HALL, 2015-B-1208, (9/18/15)
The Court disbarred the respondent for practicing law while ineligible to do so, neglecting a legal matter, failing to communicate with clients, failing to account for or refund unearned fees, engaging in illegal conduct, engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, and failing to cooperate with the ODC in its investigations.

IN RE POLK, 2015-B-1408, (9/25/15)
The Court suspended the respondent for one year and one day for practicing law while ineligible to do so, neglecting a legal matter, and failing to refund an unearned fee.

IN RE JONES-JOSEPH, 2015-B-1549, (10/09/15)
The Court found the respondent abandoned two clients without doing any work and without protecting their interests. The respondent did not return any unearned fees and failed to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation. Since the respondent is currently disbarred, the Court extended the time period in which she can apply for readmission by five years.

Hearing Committee Member Spotlight: Don Massey

New Orleans attorney Don Massey is not afraid to venture into uncharted waters.

After mastering the practice of law for two decades, including extensive lecturing on ethics and professionalism, Massey felt something was missing.

"I had given so many CLEs on ethical issues but suddenly I realized I didn't know much about the disciplinary system," he said.

At the time, he had twenty years of experience under his belt as a partner at Adams and Reese practicing in the areas of class action, product liability and complex litigation. He did not let his busy case load stand in the way of his curiosity. (Read More)

Sneak Peek: 25 Years // 25 Faces (Part II)

In Part I, Louisiana attorneys reflected on professionalism. Coming January 1, we will offer Part II, featuring attorneys from within the same families comparing their experiences over the years.



Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board
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