IN RE: WILLIAM M. MAGEE (2024)

Reinstatement granted. See per curiam.

PDG

JDH

SJC

JTG

WJC

JBM

Supreme Court of Louisiana June 25, 2024

06/25/24

SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA

NO. 2024-OB-0647

IN RE: WILLIAM M. MAGEE

ON APPLICATION FOR REINSTATEMENT

PER CURIAM

This proceeding arises out of an application for reinstatement to the practice of law filed by petitioner, William M. Magee, a suspended attorney.

UNDERLYING FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

On January 30, 2019, we suspended petitioner from the practice of law for two years. In re: Magee, 18-0383 (La. 1/30/19), 263 So. 3d 845. The suspension stemmed from petitioner's use of forged quitclaim deeds to obtain ownership of immovable property in St. Tammany Parish belonging to absentee owners.

In July 2021, petitioner filed an application for reinstatement with the disciplinary board, alleging he has complied with the reinstatement criteria set forth in Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 24(E). The application for reinstatement was stayed pending the resolution of formal charges against petitioner for continuing to negotiate the settlement of an existing client's case after his suspension. For this unauthorized practice of law, we imposed a public reprimand. In re: Magee, 23-0364 (La. 1/19/24), 377 So. 3d 661.

Thereafter, the stay was lifted and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) filed an opposition to the application for reinstatement. Accordingly, the matter was referred for a formal hearing before a hearing committee.

Following the hearing, the hearing committee recommended that petitioner be reinstated to the practice of law. Neither petitioner nor the ODC objected to the hearing 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 reinstatement criteria. Accordingly, we will adopt the hearing committee's recommendation and reinstate petitioner to the practice of law.

DECREE

Upon review of the recommendation of the hearing committee, and considering the record, it is ordered that William M. Magee, Louisiana Bar Roll number 8859, be immediately reinstated to the practice of law in Louisiana. All costs of these proceedings are assessed against petitioner.

I respectfully concur. The petitioner has compiled an exemplary record of pro bono work during his career. He has indicated he plans to continue providing pro bono services upon the reinstatement of his license to practice law. In sum, petitioner has demonstrated he is worthy of readmission.

Weimer, C.J., concurs and assigns reasons.