IN RE: LENISE R. WILLIAMS (2017)

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) commenced an investigation into allegations that respondent neglected a legal matter, failed to communicate with a client, and failed to properly withdraw from a representation. Respondent then failed to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation. Following the institution 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 Lenise R. Williams, Louisiana Bar Roll number 29706, be suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year and one day. It is further ordered that all but sixty days of this suspension shall be deferred. Following the active portion of the suspension, respondent shall successfully complete a two-year period of unsupervised probation. The probationary period shall commence from the date respondent and the ODC execute a formal probation plan. 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 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.

PER CURIAM