IN RE: G. Karl BERNARD (2026)

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING

On January 10, 2024, this court accepted a joint petition for consent discipline and suspended respondent from the practice of law for one year and one day, with all but thirty days deferred, followed by a two-year period of supervised probation with conditions. In re: Bernard, 23-1134 (La. 1/10/24), 375 So. 3d 959. After serving the active period of suspension, respondent was reinstated to the practice of law effective February 20, 2024. His two-year probationary period commenced on April 1, 2024, upon the execution of his formal probation agreement with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”).

Prior to the expiration of the probationary period, the ODC and respondent filed a joint motion seeking to extend respondent's probation for a period of twelve months and expand the conditions of his probation to include the following:

1. Respondent, at his expense, shall participate in the Louisiana State Bar Association's (“LSBA”) Law Practice Management Program; and

2. Respondent, at his expense, shall attend the LSBA's Solo and Small Firm Conference.

In support of the motion, the parties assert the extension is warranted to address a newly filed complaint which alleges that respondent violated the Rules of Professional Conduct during the period of probation.

The requested extension is appropriate under the facts. Accordingly, we will extend respondent's probation for an additional twelve months, subject to all conditions of probation imposed by our January 10, 2024 order and by the April 1, 2024 probation agreement. Respondent shall also be required to comply with the new conditions of probation set forth above.

DECREE

Considering the Joint Motion to Extend Probation filed by respondent and the ODC, it is ordered that the two-year period of probation imposed upon respondent in In re: Bernard, 23-1134 (La. 1/10/24), 375 So. 3d 959, be extended for a period of twelve months. All conditions of probation imposed by our January 10, 2024 order and by the April 1, 2024 probation agreement shall remain in full force and effect during the extended probationary period. In addition, respondent shall participate in the LSBA's Law Practice Management Program and attend the Solo and Small Firm Conference, both at his expense. Any failure by respondent to comply with these conditions or any other misconduct during the probationary period may be grounds for revocation of probation and the imposition of the previously-deferred suspension or other discipline, as appropriate.

PER CURIAM

Weimer, C.J., dissents and would revoke respondent's probation.