IN RE: Paul J. BARKER (2021)

Joint petition for consent discipline accepted. See per curiam.

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) commenced an investigation into allegations that respondent neglected legal matters, failed to communicate with clients, failed to refund unearned fees, and failed to reconcile his client trust account at least quarterly. Prior to 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 Paul J. Barker, Louisiana Bar Roll number 34432, be and he hereby is suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year and one day.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this suspension shall be deferred in its entirety, subject to a period of probation to coincide with the term of respondent's recovery agreement with the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program and governed by the following conditions:

(1) Respondent shall maintain compliance with his five-year JLAP monitoring agreement; and,

(2) Respondent shall pay all costs of this proceeding; and,

(3) Respondent shall make full restitution to all clients to whom refunds of unearned fees are owed and shall submit proof of reimbursement to the ODC.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any failure of respondent to comply with his recovery agreement or 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.