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In re Vessel

Citations: 128 So. 3d 997; 2013 La. LEXIS 2377; 2013 WL 5951913Docket: No. 2013-B-2277

Court: Supreme Court of Louisiana; November 7, 2013; Louisiana; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

An investigation by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) revealed that Heidi M. Vessel, Louisiana Bar Roll number 29015, made inappropriate comments to employees at the East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court clerk’s office. Following the formal charges, Vessel and the ODC submitted a joint petition for consent discipline. The court accepted this petition, resulting in a public reprimand for Vessel. Additionally, all costs and expenses related to the proceedings are to be paid by Vessel, accruing legal interest from thirty days post-judgment until fully paid.

Legal Issues Addressed

Consent Discipline in Attorney Misconduct Cases

Application: The court accepted a joint petition for consent discipline submitted by the attorney and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which led to a public reprimand.

Reasoning: Following the formal charges, Vessel and the ODC submitted a joint petition for consent discipline. The court accepted this petition, resulting in a public reprimand for Vessel.

Responsibility for Costs in Disciplinary Proceedings

Application: The attorney is required to pay all costs and expenses related to the disciplinary proceedings, with interest accruing after a specified period.

Reasoning: Additionally, all costs and expenses related to the proceedings are to be paid by Vessel, accruing legal interest from thirty days post-judgment until fully paid.