Disciplinary Board Review

Upon completion of a formal disciplinary hearing, a written report is prepared by the hearing committee for review by the Disciplinary Board. The Board is composed of fourteen members (both lawyers and members of the public) who are appointed by members of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Board members donate their time on a voluntary basis.

When a hearing committee finds unethical conduct warranting discipline, the hearing committee’s report and recommendation are forwarded to and considered by the Board. The hearing committee cannot itself impose discipline, although the Board can. When a hearing committee has filed a report recommending public discipline, oral argument is routinely scheduled before the Board. The lawyer may appear in person and may be represented by counsel. No witnesses are permitted at this oral argument and no testimony is taken. If the Board determines that a suspension, or a disbarment should be imposed, its written recommendation must be reviewed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The Board forwards a copy of the recommendation to the complaining party and to the lawyer.

The Board can impose a public reprimand upon the attorney, in which event the case will end there. Like an admonition, a reprimand remains on the attorney’s record and may be taken into account should a future Rule violation occur.

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