TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –In a June 17 report by the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) has commenced an investigation into allegations that attorney Todd Cooper Martin mishandled his client’s trust account. 42-year-old Martin practices law in Monroe.
Martin and the ODC subsequently submitted a joint petition for consent discipline, in which the parties stipulated that Martin violated rules 1.15 (safekeeping property), 1.16 (wrongfully terminating representation), 8.4(a) (misconduct—violate or attempt to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, knowingly assist or induce another, or do so through the acts of another), and 8.4(d) (misconduct—engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Having reviewed the petition, the Supreme Court accepted the petition for consent discipline, which was submitted by ODC.
The report explained that Martin was suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year and one day, “with all but six months deferred, followed by a two-year period of probation governed by the terms and conditions set forth in the petition for consent discipline.”
The report further explained what Martin can expect while on probation, including responsibilities and repercussions if he does not follow the imposed probationary guidelines.
“The probationary period shall commence from the date [Martin] and the ODC execute a formal probation plan,” the report said. “Any failure of [Martin] to comply with the conditions of probation, or any misconduct during the probationary period, may be grounds for making the deferred portion of the suspension executory, or imposing additional discipline, as appropriate.”
The court also ordered Martin to pay all fines and fees to the courts, as well as to his former client.
“It is further ordered that all costs and expenses in the matter are assessed against Martin, with legal interest to commence 30 days from the date of finality of this court’s judgment until paid,” the report said.