IN RE: MICHELLE MYER BENNETT (2024)

Joint petition for consent discipline accepted. See per curiam.

JLW

JTG

WJC

JBM

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

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

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

Supreme Court of Louisiana February 14, 2024

SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA

NO. 2023-B-1690

IN RE: MICHELLE MYER BENNETT

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING

PER CURIAM

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) commenced an investigation into allegations that respondent mismanaged her client trust account and engaged in an intimate relationship with a client. Respondent and the ODC submitted a joint petition for consent discipline in which respondent admitted that her conduct violated Rules 1.7, 1.15, and 8.4(a) of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Having reviewed the petition,

IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Consent Discipline be accepted and that Michelle Myer Bennett, Louisiana Bar Roll number 23225, be suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year and one day. All but three months of this suspension shall be deferred, subject to respondent's successful completion of the Louisiana State Bar Association's Ethics School and Trust Accounting School. Any failure of respondent to complete Ethics School and Trust Accounting School, or any misconduct during the deferral period, may be grounds for making the deferred portion of the 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.