Preview:

SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA NO. 98-B-2825 IN RE: KEITH A. LEWIS ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

PER CURIAM*
This attorney disciplinary proceeding arises from seven counts of formal charges instituted by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel ("ODC") against respondent, Keith A. Lewis, an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Louisiana. The charges allege violations of Rules 1.1 (lack of competence), 1.3 (lack of due diligence), 1.15 (failure to refund client fees), 1.16(d) (failure to properly terminate representation to protect client interests), 8.1(c) (failure to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation), 8.4(a) (violating the Rules of Professional Conduct), 8.4(c) (engaging in conduct involving deceit, dishonesty, fraud or misrepresentation) and 8.4(g) (failure to cooperate with the ODC) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

UNDERLYING FACTS Counts I and II In October of 1993, Paula Riles Guillory retained the respondent to represent her in a personal injury matter. In May of 1994, respondent advised Ms. Guillory that he negotiated a settlement on her behalf, but subsequently refused to communicate with her despite her repeated attempts. That same month, he received a draft from Allstate Insurance Company for $3,800, made payable to respondent and Ms. Guillory. He caused her name to be forged on the back of the check. Approximately fourteen months later, respondent provided Ms. Guillory a check for $1,950 from his personal checking account, representing her share of the settlement. He failed to provide an accounting or settlement documents. Ms. Guillory filed a complaint, and respondent failed to respond to the ODC's requests for information. The ODC issued a subpoena compelling his appearance for a scheduled deposition and requesting production of documents. While respondent appeared for his deposition,

*

Lemmon, J. not on panel. Rule IV, Part II,

Download 98-B-2825 IN RE: KEITH A. LEWIS.pdf

Louisiana Law