In re LeBlanc

Summary

The Louisiana Supreme Court considers attorney disciplinary charges against Jeffrey P. LeBlanc involving client-fund conversion, neglect, failure to communicate, failure to return unearned fees, and failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities. The court disbarred LeBlanc, ordered full restitution to his victims, and assessed costs against him.

Holdings

1. The record supported the hearing committee's findings that LeBlanc violated the professional rules as charged.
2. Lawyer discipline is imposed primarily to maintain professional standards, safeguard the public, preserve the integrity of the legal profession, and deter future violations; the appropriate sanction depends on the facts, seriousness of the offenses, and aggravating and mitigating circumstances.
3. LeBlanc lacked the moral fitness to practice law in Louisiana and was properly disbarred, with an order to make full restitution to his victims.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the record supported the hearing committee's findings that LeBlanc violated the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct as charged.
2. What sanction was appropriate for LeBlanc's intentional misconduct, prior disciplinary history, client harm, and failure to cooperate with the disciplinary process.

Disposition

other