"Off The Books"

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board has recommended the permanent disbarment of an attorney convicted of "inciting a felony" (itself a felony). The conviction related to his practice of law. He was an associate of a law  firm and was assigned a personal injury case. He learned that the client had had an earlier accident and undertook the representation "off the [firm's] books." He then altered and submitted to the insurance carrier medical records in support of the  claim.

The lawyer was admitted to the Louisiana Bar on October 10, 2003 and placed on interim suspension by the Louisiana Supreme Court on April 21, 2005. If the recommended disposition is imposed, perhaps this case will establish a record as the shortest career arc from admission to permanent disbarment in Louisiana history. (Mike Frisch)