Opinion
No. 2007-0B-0241.
September 14, 2007.
In re Williamson, Michael J.; — Plaintiff; Applying for Appointment of a Commissioner.
ON APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR
Petitioner, Michael J. Williamson, successfully passed the essay portion of the Louisiana Bar Examination. However, the Committee on Bar Admissions ("Committee") declined to certify him for admission to the Bar based upon character and fitness concerns. On petitioner's application to this court, we appointed the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to conduct an investigation and appointed a commissioner to take character and fitness evidence. Following the proceedings, the commissioner filed his report with this court, recommending that petitioner be conditionally admitted to the practice of law, subject to a five-year period of probation. Neither petitioner nor the Committee objected to that recommendation.
Considering the commissioner's recommendation and the entire record of this proceeding, we conclude petitioner is eligible to be conditionally admitted to the practice of law in Louisiana, subject to a probationary period of five years. The probationary period may be extended upon recommendation of the Executive Director of the Lawyers Assistance Program. During the probationary period, petitioner shall comply with all of the terms and conditions of the contract executed by him with the Lawyers Assistance Program, and such other conditions as may be imposed upon him by the Executive Director of the Lawyers Assistance Program. Should petitioner fail to make a good faith effort to satisfy these conditions, or should he commit any misconduct during the period of probation, his conditional right to practice may be terminated or he may be subjected to other discipline pursuant to the Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement.
CONDITIONAL ADMISSION GRANTED.