IN RE: CHRISTOPHER SZETO (2022)

Joint petition for consent discipline accepted. See per curiam.

JDH

JTG

WJC

JBM

PDG

Supreme Court of Louisiana November 01, 2022

11/01/22

SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA

NO. 2022-B-1395

IN RE: CHRISTOPHER SZETO

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING

PER CURIAM

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) commenced an investigation into allegations that respondent filed a frivolous pleading, failed to take remedial action despite repeated efforts by the trial court, and was ultimately found to be in constructive contempt of court. Respondent and the ODC submitted a joint petition for consent discipline in which respondent admitted that his conduct violated Rules 3.1, 8.4(a), and 8.4(d) of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Having reviewed the petition,

IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Consent Discipline be accepted and that Christopher H. Szeto, Louisiana Bar Roll number 37559, be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months. This suspension shall be deferred in its entirety, subject to a one-year period of probation with the conditions set forth in the petition for consent discipline. 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 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.

Weimer, C.J., would conditionally reject consent discipline. Crichton, J., would conditionally reject consent discipline.