LADB PROVIDES MORE THAN 8,200 FREE CLE HOURS: The 2019 LADB FREE CLE Series Concludes

As it has for many years, the LADB again presented a full-day free CLE program, consisting of seven credit hours, in five locations throughout the state. The program was offered earlier this year in Bossier City, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Pineville. Closing out the series, the program was presented on September 18, 2019 to a full house in Kenner. During the course of the year, the Board also presented free CLE at ELLI LIVE, an ELLI groupcast program, and to newly admitted lawyers online.

For 2019, lawyers throughout the state have earned over 8,200 hours of CLE credit at no cost through the LADB’s free CLE programs.

The Board would like to thank all the speakers who volunteered their time and expertise to make the live presentations a huge success!

Charles A. Vann, Fairhope, AL Charles Vann Consulting Beau P. Sagona, Metairie The Derbes Law Firm Lisa A. Montgomery, New Orleans The Montgomery Law Firm Adrejia B. Swafford, New Orleans Christovich & Kearney LLP	Richard P. Lemmler, New Orleans Louisiana State Bar Association Charles B. Plattsmier, Baton Rouge Office of Disciplinary Counsel Jordan D. Huck, Metairie Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board Melissa L. Theriot, Lafayette U.S. Attorney’s Office

Recent Rules and Decisions

Deemed Admitted Matters (Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XIX, Section 11(E)(3)):

IN RE MURRAY NEIL SALINAS (Shreveport), 2019-B-1054 (9/24/2019): The Court found the respondent, who was previously disbarred, guilty of engaging in additional misconduct that included: neglecting his clients’ legal matters, failing to refund unearned fees, and failing to cooperate with the ODC in its investigations.

IN RE EDWARD DUANE SCHERTLER II (Larose), 2019-B-1025 (9/24/2019): The Court permanently disbarred the respondent for attempting to introduce contraband into a penal institution and possessing Suboxone, marijuana, a controlled dangerous substance with a firearm, a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and a stolen outboard motor. The respondent also pleaded guilty to the felony charges of attempting to introduce contraband into a penal institution and possession of stolen things over $500.

Consent Discipline:

IN RE ERICA MAY LOTZ (Nashville, TN), 2019-B-1103 (9/17/2019): The Court suspended the respondent for one year and one day, with all but thirty days deferred, based upon allegations that she mismanaged her client trust account.

IN RE DANTE JEROME BUTLER (New Orleans), 2019-B-1199 (9/24/2019): The Court suspended the respondent for eighteen months, with all but one year and one day deferred, for mishandling his client trust account and not maintaining adequate financial or client records, failing to submit an opposition to a motion for summary judgment and then concealing his neglect, and failing to diligently pursue discovery on his client’s behalf.

Reciprocal Discipline:

IN RE EVERETT H. MECHEM (Atlanta, GA), 2019-B-0862 (9/6/2019): The Court disbarred the respondent based upon an order of the Supreme Court of Tennessee.

IN RE ERICH WEBB BAILEY (Castle Rock, CO), 2019-B-0702 (9/6/2019): The Court publicly reprimanded the respondent based upon an order of the Supreme Court of Tennessee.

IN RE WILLIAM A. PIGG (Dallas, TX), 2019-B-0912 (9/6/2019): The Court publicly reprimanded the respondent based upon discipline imposed by the State Bar of Texas.

IN RE FREDERICK ARTHUR LOVEJOY, 2019-B-1041 (9/24/2019): The Court publicly reprimanded the respondent based upon discipline imposed by the Statewide Grievance Committee for the State of Connecticut.

Permanent Resignation in Lieu of Discipline:

IN RE PAUL E. BROWN (Houma), 2019-B-0864 (8/28/2019).

Conditional Admission Revoked:

IN RE BRIAN D. WILLIAMS (Marrero), 2019-B-0865 (9/24/19).

Rehearing:

IN RE GREGORY COOK (Baton Rouge), 2019-B-0406 (9/17/2019): Application for rehearing not considered.