“Insidious” Actions of Judge Result in New Trial
A sharply divided Louisiana Supreme Court granted a new trial after a defense verdict in a medical malpractice action. According to the court, the trial judge’s actions resulted in “a …
New Orleans Lawyer Suspended for Retaining Co-Counsel Solely to Force Judge Porteous’s Recusal
On May 4, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the suspension of New Orleans lawyer Joseph N. Mole from the practice of law in …
Complaint Alleging Improper Facebook “Friend” Request Allowed to Proceed
The New Jersey Supreme Court refused to dismiss a grievance against John J. Robertelli for allegedly improper conduct associated with a Facebook “friend” request. In order to obtain information about a …
Complaint That Lawyer Filed Frivolous Suit Relating to Lost Malaysia Airlines Flight is Dismissed
Shortly after Malaysia Airlines Fight 370 disappeared, Chicago lawyer Monica E. Ribbeck sued Boeing and Malaysia Airlines alleging that the flight “crashed as the result of ‘the negligence of unknown individuals …
Lawyer Suspended for Failing to Disclose During Mediation That His Client Was Dead
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals suspended Kenneth H. Rosenau from the practice of law for a period of thirty days for failing to disclose the death of his …
Court Reinstates Suspended Lawyer With No-Solo-Practice Condition
In an unusual rehearing order, the Louisiana Supreme Court reinstated suspended lawyer Robert A. Booth, Jr., with the condition that for a two-year probationary period he “may not operate a …
One-Year Suspension for Lying About “Stolen” Briefcase
The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit upheld a one-year suspension for a New Jersey lawyer who falsely reported to the district judge that his trial bag had …
SCOTUS Reverses Louisiana Murder Conviction for Prosecutorial Misconduct
On March 7, 2016, the United States Supreme Court reversed the capital murder conviction of Michael Wearry due to the failure of prosecutors to disclose evidence that could have been …
Court Suspends Former Judge from Practice of Law
On March 14, 2016, the Louisiana Supreme Court indefinitely suspended former Orleans Parish Juvenile Court judge Yolanda J. King from the practice of law. See In re Yolanda J. King, No. 2016-B-0331 …
Permanent Disbarment for Setting Up Opposing Counsel for Arrest
On January 28, 2016, the Supreme Court of Florida permanently disbarred Tampa lawyer Stephen Christopher Diaco for “deliberately and maliciously” effecting the arrest of his opposing counsel in a “high-profile” …