Ignoring the ODC Won’t Save You—It Might Sink You
In the recent disciplinary matter In re: Sonnier, 395 So. 3d 850 (La. 10/25/24), the Louisiana Supreme Court highlighted an important clarification regarding Rule 8.1(c) of the Louisiana Rules of …
The Louisiana Supreme Court’s Take on Rule 8.4(d): Intent vs. Impact
The Louisiana Supreme Court’s decision in In re Trina Trinhthi Chu offers an important clarification of Rule 8.4(d) of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct. See In re Trina Chu, …
Unlawyerly Behavior: The 2024 Most Notable Lawyer Discipline Cases in Louisiana
In the world of law, where integrity and ethics are paramount, even the most trusted professionals can fall short of the high standards expected of them. In 2024, Louisiana witnessed …
Can I Quit?
No, not yet. The future of Louisiana’s mandatory bar association is uncertain. This is because the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently held that the Louisiana State Bar …
Fifth Circuit: Compelled LSBA Membership Violates First Amendment
On November 13, 2023, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals held that the Louisiana State Bar Association’s “mandatory membership and dues are . . . unconstitutional” because they …
May a Louisiana Lawyer Sign Another Lawyer’s Name on a Pleading?
Yes, a Louisiana lawyer may sign another lawyer’s name on a pleading with the permission of that lawyer. See La. Civ. Code art. 2989. A Louisiana lawyer may not, however, sign another …
Judge Disciplined for Sending Ex Parte Facebook Messages to Party in Case Pending Before Him
The Louisiana Supreme Court suspended a Denham Springs judge for four months for engaging in ex parte communications via Facebook Messenger with a party in a case pending before him …
Louisiana Supreme Court Permits Baton Rouge Judge to Remain On Bench Despite Age-Limit Dispute
On January 28, 2022, the Louisiana Supreme Court held in a 4-3 split decision that a city judge could remain in office despite exceeding the age limit set by the …
Sloppy Arbitration Clauses are Unenforceable
On December 30, 2021, the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals refused to enforce a lawyer-client arbitration clause because the lawyer failed to explain to the client “the consequences of …
Louisiana Supreme Court Publicly Disciplines Louisiana Lawyers for Failing to Pre-File Advertisements with the LSBA
Louisiana lawyers who advertise have long faced scrutiny from the Louisiana legislature, the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, and the Louisiana State Bar Association. But this year …