July 2021 Discipline

These lawyers were the subject of Louisiana Supreme Court disciplinary orders or Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board recommendations published during the month of June 2021.

Louisiana Supreme Court

1. James A. Van Hook, Jr. The court granted a joint petition for transfer to disability inactive status.

Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board

1. Dwan S. Hilferty. The board recommended that the court suspend the respondent for one year and one day. The respondent failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client, failed to communicate with a client, and failed to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation of the matter. In doing so, the respondent violated Rules 1.3, 1.4, 3.2, and 8.4(d).

LADB Hearing Committees

1. Michael C. Palmintier. Hearing Committee # 26 recommended that the court publicly reprimand the respondent. The respondent failed to submit an advertisement in Super Lawyers magazine to the LSBA for preapproval. In doing so, the respondent violated Rule 7.7(c).
2. D. Douglas Howard, Jr. Hearing Committee # 24 recommended that the court dismiss all formal charges in the case. The ODC had charged the respondent with failing to elaborate and supplement a presiding judge’s on the record disclosure of the respondent’s prior professional relationship with the judge.
3. Ramsey T. Marcello. Hearing Committee # 8 recommended that the court readmit the respondent to the practice of law.
4. Richmond C. Odom. Hearing Committee # 18 recommended that the court suspend the respondent for one year, fully deferred. The respondent comingled and mismanaged the funds of the trust account. In doing so, the respondent violated Rules 1.15(a), 5.3(b), and 5.3(c). However, in recommending its sanction, the Hearing Committee recognized that the respondent immediately acknowledged his errors, made restitution to the trust, cooperated with the ODC in its investigation, and engaged in a very limited practice of law restricted to pro bono work for family and friends.