In re Francis C. Broussard

Summary

The Louisiana Supreme Court reviewed disciplinary charges against attorney Francis C. Broussard involving neglect, failure to communicate, failure to expedite litigation, and failure to return client files. The court found violations of Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4, 1.16(d), and 3.2. It imposed a one-year-and-one-day suspension, with all but 30 days deferred, followed by one year of supervised probation.

Holdings

1. The record established that Broussard failed to communicate with a client, neglected the client's legal matter, failed to return client files, and failed to expedite litigation, violating Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.16(d), and 3.2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
2. In attorney-disciplinary matters, the Supreme Court of Louisiana independently reviews the record as the trier of fact and determines whether misconduct was proven by clear and convincing evidence; the manifest-error standard applies to the hearing committee's factual findings.
3. A suspension of one year and one day was warranted, with all but thirty days deferred and followed by one year of supervised probation, because Broussard continued to neglect his professional responsibilities after prior discipline and a prior probationary suspension.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the record established that Broussard violated Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.16(d), and 3.2 of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct.
2. What sanction was appropriate in light of Broussard's misconduct, prior discipline, aggravating and mitigating factors, and the recommendations of the hearing committee and disciplinary board.

Disposition

other