You are viewing a free summary from Descrybe.ai. For citation checking, legal issue analysis, and other advanced tools, explore our Legal Research Toolkit — not free, but close.

In re Williams

Citations: 157 So. 3d 1102; 2015 La. LEXIS 6; 2015 WL 303656Docket: No. 2014-OB-2561

Court: Supreme Court of Louisiana; January 22, 2015; Louisiana; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Formal charges have been filed against Jermaine D. Williams by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), alleging serious attorney misconduct, primarily involving the commingling and conversion of client funds. The ODC is also investigating fourteen additional complaints against him for similar misconduct. Williams has petitioned for permanent resignation from the practice of law in lieu of facing disciplinary actions, and the ODC has agreed to this petition. The Supreme Court of Louisiana has granted Williams' request for permanent resignation under Supreme Court Rule XIX. 20.1 and Rule 5.5 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Consequently, Williams is permanently barred from practicing law in Louisiana and any other jurisdiction, as well as from seeking readmission or admission to practice law in any jurisdiction.

Legal Issues Addressed

Disciplinary Actions for Attorney Misconduct

Application: Attorneys facing charges of serious misconduct, including commingling and conversion of client funds, may be subject to permanent resignation or disciplinary proceedings.

Reasoning: Formal charges have been filed against Jermaine D. Williams by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), alleging serious attorney misconduct, primarily involving the commingling and conversion of client funds.

Permanent Bar from Practicing Law

Application: An attorney who is granted permanent resignation is permanently barred from practicing law and from seeking readmission or admission in any jurisdiction.

Reasoning: Consequently, Williams is permanently barred from practicing law in Louisiana and any other jurisdiction, as well as from seeking readmission or admission to practice law in any jurisdiction.

Permanent Resignation from the Practice of Law

Application: An attorney may petition for permanent resignation from the practice of law in lieu of facing disciplinary actions for alleged misconduct.

Reasoning: Williams has petitioned for permanent resignation from the practice of law in lieu of facing disciplinary actions, and the ODC has agreed to this petition.

Supreme Court Approval for Permanent Resignation

Application: The Supreme Court may grant an attorney's request for permanent resignation under specific rules, effectively barring them from practicing law in any jurisdiction.

Reasoning: The Supreme Court of Louisiana has granted Williams' request for permanent resignation under Supreme Court Rule XIX. 20.1 and Rule 5.5 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.