Opinion
2022-B-01737
02-14-2023
IN RE: JONI M. BUQUOI
IN RE: Office of Disciplinary Counsel - Applicant Other; Joni M. Buquoi - Applicant Other; Joint Petition for Consent Discipline;
Joint petition for consent discipline accepted. See per curiam.
SJC
JLW
JDH
JTG
WJC
JBM
PDG
ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING
PER CURIAM.
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel ("ODC") commenced an investigation into allegations that respondent neglected a legal matter, improperly divided legal fees, failed to deposit advanced fees and costs into her client trust account, and commingled her attorney's fees with client funds in her trust account. Prior to the filing of formal charges, respondent and the ODC submitted a joint petition for consent discipline. Having reviewed the petition, IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Consent Discipline be accepted and that Joni M. Buquoi, Louisiana Bar Roll number 30419, be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months. This suspension shall be deferred in its entirety, subject to respondent's successful completion of a two-year period of probation governed by the conditions set forth in the Petition for Consent Discipline. The probationary period shall commence from the date respondent and the ODC execute a formal probation plan. Any failure of respondent to comply with the conditions of probation, or any misconduct during the probationary period, may be grounds for making the deferred suspension executory, or imposing additional discipline, as appropriate.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all costs and expenses in the matter are assessed against respondent in accordance with Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 10.1, with legal interest to commence thirty days from the date of finality of this court's judgment until paid.