IN RE: Clifton M. DAVIS (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 practiced law during several periods in which he was ineligible to do so, mishandled his trust account, resulting in the conversion of client funds, and failed to disburse funds owed to third-party providers. Respondent then 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 in which respondent admitted that he violated Rules 1.1(b), 1.1(c), 1.15(a), 1.15(f), 5.5(a), 8.1(b), 8.1(c), 8.4(a) and 8.4(c) of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Having reviewed the petition,

IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Consent Discipline be accepted and that Clifton M. Davis, III, Louisiana Bar Roll number 24069, be suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year and one day.

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.

Griffin, J., dissents and would reject the proposed discipline as too harsh.