IN RE: Christopher Hicks CARBINE (2025)

Respondent was charged by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) with violating the Rules of Professional Conduct, including Rules 1.1 (failure to provide competent representation to a client) and 1.4(a)(3) (failure to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter). After considering the evidence and testimony presented at a hearing in the matter, the hearing committee dismissed the charges after finding a minor, “technical violation” of Rules 1.1 and 1.4(a)(3).

We agree that respondent's actions constitute a minor violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct. However, we do not find formal discipline is warranted by this court. See, e.g., In re: Hartley, 03-2828 (La. 4/2/04), 869 So. 2d 799; In re: Marullo, 96-2222 (La. 4/8/97), 692 So. 2d 1019.

Accordingly, while we in no way condone respondent's actions and caution him to refrain from similar professional lapses in the future, we decline to impose formal discipline in this matter, and therefore dismiss the charges.

PER CURIAM