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 a series of shocking attorney discipline cases that ranged from breaches of client trust to outright criminal conduct. These cases not only highlight the consequences of unethical behavior but also serve as a stark reminder of the importance of professionalism in safeguarding the legal system’s integrity. From misappropriating client funds and falsifying court documents to engaging in improper relationships and defying disbarment orders, these stories reveal the human frailty behind the legal profession’s polished veneer.
Unlawyerly Behavior: The Case of Adam John Verret
Adam John Verret, a Louisiana attorney, faced a six-month suspension in 2024 after admitting to engaging in consensual sexual relationships with two clients. Such conduct is considered a serious ethical breach due to the inherent power imbalance between attorneys and their clients, raising concerns about professionalism, impartiality, and the integrity of the attorney-client relationship. Verret’s actions violated professional conduct rules designed to protect clients from exploitation and maintain trust in the legal system.
The Louisiana Supreme Court accepted a joint petition for consent discipline, imposing a six-month suspension with three months deferred, followed by a year of probation. The court emphasized that any further misconduct or violation of probation terms could lead to additional sanctions or the activation of the deferred suspension. This case serves as a reminder of the high ethical standards attorneys must uphold to safeguard the dignity of their profession and the rights of their clients.
Unlawyerly Behavior: The Case of Trina Trinhthi Chu
In a case that shook the legal community, Trina Trinhthi Chu, a former Louisiana Court of Appeal law clerk, was disbarred in 2024 for a series of grave ethical breaches. While working under a judge recused from the Succession of Houston case, Chu accessed and disseminated confidential court documents to assist a personal friend and litigant, Hanh Williams. She used court resources to draft legal documents for Williams, including pleadings and correspondence. These actions violated multiple provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct, including prohibitions on dishonesty, ex parte communications, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. Her misconduct disrupted proceedings so significantly that the entire Second Circuit recused itself from the case, necessitating its transfer to another court.
The disciplinary board and the Louisiana Supreme Court found Chu’s actions to be intentional, undermining the integrity of the legal system. Though she argued her actions were akin to providing a “second opinion,” the court noted her conduct was an egregious breach of professional duties. Citing violations of Rule 8.4 (professional misconduct) and her plea to an offense against intellectual property, the court determined disbarment was the appropriate sanction. This decision underscores the gravity of Chu’s misconduct and its far-reaching impact on public trust in the legal profession.
Unlawyerly Behavior: The Case of Laura J. Johnson
In 2024, Laura J. Johnson, a disbarred Louisiana attorney, faced permanent disbarment for continuing to practice law despite her previous disbarment in 2020 for falsifying a client’s receipt of restitution. Johnson engaged in unauthorized legal practice by representing a client accused of contractor fraud, negotiating restitution with victims and prosecutors without disclosing her disbarred status. She misrepresented herself as a “retired attorney” to law enforcement and attorneys involved in the case, violating ethical rules and undermining public trust in the profession.
The Louisiana Supreme Court found Johnson guilty of violating several Rules of Professional Conduct, including unauthorized practice of law (Rule 5.5), dishonesty (Rule 8.4(c)), and failure to cooperate with disciplinary investigations (Rule 8.1). Her extensive history of prior disciplinary actions and her disregard for ethical obligations demonstrated a convincing lack of moral fitness to practice law. The court concluded that her actions warranted permanent disbarment, noting there was no reasonable expectation of rehabilitation in the future. This case highlights the importance of ethical adherence and the severe consequences of breaching professional standards.
Unlawyerly Behavior: The Case of Aaron P. Mollere
Aaron P. Mollere’s disbarment in 2024 reveals a troubling pattern of misconduct that encompassed both ethical violations and criminal behavior. Mollere’s offenses included using illegal drugs with a client, misappropriating client funds, and failing to fulfill basic professional obligations. Arrested in 2021 for possession of cocaine and a firearm while under the influence, Mollere admitted to ongoing drug abuse and converting approximately $40,000 of his parents’ money to support his addiction. Additionally, he neglected multiple clients’ cases, failed to refund unearned fees, and used settlement funds intended for third parties to fuel his personal drug use. His actions caused significant harm to clients, family members, and the legal system.
The Louisiana Supreme Court found that Mollere violated numerous Rules of Professional Conduct, including those addressing competence, diligence, communication, safekeeping of property, and honesty. Aggravating factors, such as a dishonest motive, a pattern of misconduct, and indifference to restitution, underscored the severity of his actions. The court concluded that disbarment was the only appropriate sanction to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the legal profession. This case illustrates the far-reaching consequences of ethical breaches and personal misconduct in the legal field.
Unlawyerly Behavior: The Case of Sophia Juliana Johnson
In a striking example of ethical lapses within the legal profession, attorney Sophia Juliana Johnson faced a one-year suspension in 2024 for falsifying an email and submitting false statements in federal court pleadings. Johnson’s misconduct arose when she attempted to conceal her failure to timely disclose expert witnesses on behalf of her clients. To cover this lapse, she fabricated an email purporting to demonstrate compliance with disclosure deadlines, an act that violated multiple ethical rules and undermined the integrity of judicial proceedings.
The Louisiana Supreme Court accepted a joint petition for consent discipline, acknowledging violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct related to honesty and candor. While the court imposed a one-year suspension retroactive to her interim suspension, three justices dissented, arguing the discipline was too lenient given the gravity of the misconduct. Johnson’s case highlights the severe repercussions for attorneys who breach their professional duties and the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards in the legal profession.
Conclusion
The Louisiana Supreme Court’s 2024 discipline roster is a masterclass in what not to do as a lawyer—proof that when professionalism goes out the window, the fallout is anything but boring. These cases prove that even lawyers can find creative (if wildly inappropriate) ways to land themselves in hot water. Whether it’s channeling their inner soap opera villain with forged emails or mistaking the courtroom for Tinder, these attorneys demonstrated just how spectacularly wrong things can go when professionalism takes a back seat.
