IN RE: Gerald F. PALMER (2024)

Readmission granted. See per curiam.

ON APPLICATION FOR READMISSION

This proceeding arises out of an application for readmission to the practice of law filed by petitioner, Gerald F. Palmer, also known as Jerry F. Palmer, a disbarred attorney.

UNDERLYING FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

In 1993, petitioner pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to defraud insurance companies and their investors. In January 1999, soon after petitioner's guilty plea was unsealed following years of cooperation with federal prosecutors, petitioner notified the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) of his misconduct and requested that disciplinary proceedings commence. Petitioner and the ODC then filed a motion in this court, requesting that he be placed on interim suspension. On May 26, 1999, we granted the motion and suspended petitioner on an interim basis. In re: Palmer, 99-1395 (La. 5/26/99), 736 So. 2d 162. Thereafter, the ODC filed formal charges against petitioner. After considering the formal charges, we disbarred petitioner, retroactive to the date of his interim suspension. In re: Palmer, 02-1780 (La. 12/4/02), 835 So. 2d 410.

In May 2023, petitioner filed an application for readmission with the disciplinary board, alleging he has complied with the readmission criteria set forth in Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 24(E). The ODC took no position regarding the application for readmission. Accordingly, the matter was referred for a formal hearing before a hearing committee.

Following the hearing, the committee recommended that petitioner be readmitted to the practice of law. Neither petitioner nor the ODC objected to the committee's recommendation.

DISCUSSION

After considering the record in its entirety, we find there is clear and convincing evidence of petitioner's compliance with the readmission criteria. Accordingly, we will adopt the hearing committee's recommendation and readmit petitioner to the practice of law.

DECREE

Upon review of the recommendation of the hearing committee, and considering the record, it is ordered that Gerald F. Palmer, also known as Jerry F. Palmer, Louisiana Bar Roll number 14290, be immediately readmitted to the practice of law in Louisiana. All costs of these proceedings are assessed against petitioner.

Attorney Disciplinary Proceeding

I agree that the applicant herein has complied with the readmission criteria set forth in Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 24(E) and should therefore be readmitted to the bar in Louisiana. However, because applicant has been out of the practice of law for nearly twenty-five years, I would impose a condition upon his readmission that he attend additional continuing legal education hours to ensure adequate protection of the public.

Crichton, J., concurs in part, dissents in part, and assigns reasons. Crain, J., dissents.