“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 …
April 2016 Discipline
These lawyers were the subject of Louisiana Supreme Court disciplinary orders or Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board recommendations that were made public during the month of April 2016. Louisiana Supreme Court Michael …
What Should I Do With Unidentified Funds in My Trust Account?
The Louisiana Supreme Court amended Rule 1.15 in March 2016 to address this issue. The answer: “A lawyer who learns of Unidentified Funds in an IOLTA account must remit the funds …
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 …
May I Share a Legal Fee on a Matter on Which I Otherwise Would Have a Conflict?
The ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility on April 21, 2016, issued a formal opinion addressing whether a lawyer may share a legal fee on a matter when …
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 …
New Study Reports High Rates of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Problems Among Lawyers
A new study involving more than 12,000 lawyers has found high rates of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and stress among members of the American legal profession. See Patrick R. Krill, Ryan …
March 2016 Discipline
These lawyers were the subject of Louisiana Supreme Court disciplinary orders or Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board recommendations that were made public during the month of March 2016. Louisiana Supreme Court Sondra …