IN RE: Jonathan Gardere CARTER (2025)

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) commenced an investigation into allegations that respondent neglected legal matters, failed to communicate with clients, failed to expediate litigations, failed to promptly return unearned fees, and 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 Jonathan Gardere Carter, Louisiana Bar Roll number 36407, be suspended from the practice of law for one year and one day with all but six months deferred, retroactive to the date of respondent's interim suspension in In re: Carter, 25-0076 (La 1/29/25), 400 So. 3d 93.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that upon completion of the active portion of his suspension, respondent shall be placed on probation with the probationary period to run concurrently with the agreement between respondent and the Judges and Lawyer's Assistance Program (“JLAP”). If respondent fails to enter into a JLAP agreement within thirty days of the date of this order, the ODC shall immediately advise this court and may move to set aside this consent discipline.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that 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 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.

PER CURIAM

Crain, J., dissents and would reject the petition for consent discipline. McCallum, J., dissents and would reject the petition for consent discipline.