IN RE: Justin M. MARQUEZ (2023)

Joint petition for consent discipline accepted. See per curiam.

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) commenced an investigation into allegations that respondent neglected a legal matter. He subsequently failed to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation. Following 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 Justin M. Marquez, Louisiana Bar Roll number 26400, be and he hereby is suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year and one day, with all but thirty days deferred. Following the active portion of the suspension, respondent shall be placed on probation for a period of two years, subject to 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 portion of the suspension executory, or imposing additional discipline, as appropriate.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that prior to being reinstated to the practice of law, respondent shall submit to an appropriate evaluation by the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program and shall comply with any recommendations for treatment and/or the execution of a monitoring agreement.

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.

GENOVESE, J., dissents and would reject consent discipline relative to the deferral of the suspension and would require that all but six months be deferred.

Genovese, J., dissents and assigns reasons.