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SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA NO. 98-B-2432 IN RE: ROBERT B. SCHAMBACH

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

PER CURIAM*
This attorney disciplinary proceeding arises from formal charges instituted by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel ("ODC") against respondent, Robert B. Schambach, an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Louisiana, who is currently suspended from practice in an unrelated matter.1

UNDERLYING FACTS Complainant, Dianna Womble, first retained respondent in 1985 in connection with litigation involving a trust. Respondent successfully handled the matter. Over the next several years, respondent and Ms. Womble became personal friends. He advised her in several other legal matters, including a succession proceeding and the sale of immovable property. Sometime around 1990, respondent began engaging in an extra-marital affair with Ms. Womble. In 1991, respondent borrowed $30,000 and $10,000 from Ms. Womble,2 and gave her a promissory note in the amount of $44,000. Ms. Womble sought repayment on the promissory note in 1992; however, due to financial problems in his solo legal practice, respondent was unable to pay her back. By 1993, the personal relationship between Ms. Womble and respondent deteriorated, and she ultimately filed suit against him and his wife in an attempt to recover on the promissory note.3

*

Calogero, C.J. not on panel. Rule IV, Part II,

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Louisiana Law