In re Jones-Joseph

Summary

The Louisiana Supreme Court addressed disciplinary charges against Keisha M. Jones-Joseph, who had previously been disbarred and was accused of abandoning two clients, failing to refund unearned fees, and failing to cooperate with disciplinary investigations. The court extended by five years the minimum period before she could seek readmission, ordered restitution or reimbursement to the Client Assistance Fund, and assessed proceeding costs against her.

Holdings

1. The admitted facts established that respondent violated the Rules of Professional Conduct as charged, including duties of diligence, communication, fee refund, protection of client interests, cooperation with disciplinary authorities, and honesty.
2. An additional disciplinary sanction may extend the minimum five-year period that must elapse before a disbarred attorney may seek readmission.
3. The minimum period before respondent may seek readmission was extended by five years, and respondent was ordered to make full restitution to the affected clients or reimburse the Louisiana State Bar Association's Client Assistance Fund, as applicable.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the factual allegations deemed admitted established violations of the charged Rules of Professional Conduct.
2. Whether the respondent's misconduct warranted an additional sanction despite her existing disbarment.
3. Whether the minimum five-year period before the respondent could seek readmission should be extended and restitution ordered.

Disposition

other