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10/02/2009 "See News Release 060 for any Concurrences and/or Dissents." SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA NO. 09-B-1212 IN RE: RONNIE BANKS, SR.

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS PER CURIAM*
This disciplinary matter arises from formal charges filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel ("ODC") against respondent, Ronnie Banks, Sr., an attorney licensed to practice law in Louisiana but currently on interim suspension for threat of harm to the public. In re: Banks, 08-1241 (La. 6/18/08), 983 So. 2d 1250.

PRIOR DISCIPLINARY HISTORY Before we address the current charges, we find it helpful to review respondent's prior disciplinary history. Respondent was admitted to the practice of law in Louisiana in 1982. On September 4, 1986, this court placed respondent on interim suspension following his criminal conviction for felony theft.1 On April 2, 1987, he was disbarred by consent, retroactive to the date of his interim suspension, for his conviction as well as other improper use of client funds.2 After serving his

disbarment, respondent applied for readmission to the practice of law. On April 9, 1999, this court granted conditional readmission, subject to a two-year period of probation with conditions. In re: Banks, 98-2516 (La. 4/9/99), 731 So. 2d 875.

Judge Benjamin Jones, of the Fourth Judicial District Court, assigned as Justice Pro Tempore, participating in the decision. Respondent was convicted of theft after he settled a client's personal injury claim for $2,865.75, forged his client's name on the settlement draft, and cashed it. Respondent failed to disburse settlement proceeds to two clients and neglected a legal matter after having been paid his fee.
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Against this backdrop, we now turn to a consideration of the misconduct at issue in the present proceeding.

UNDERLYING FACTS 07-DB-053 Count I

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