IN RE: Michael P. ARATA (2022)

Readmission granted. See per curiam.

ON APPLICATION FOR READMISSION

This proceeding arises out of an application for readmission to the practice of law filed by petitioner, Michael P. Arata, a disbarred attorney.

UNDERLYING FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

In May 2014, petitioner and two co-defendants were indicted in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on charges of defrauding a state tax credit program of approximately $1.1 million in connection with the renovation of a historic New Orleans mansion into a post-production film studio. After a jury trial, and protracted post-trial proceedings and appeals, petitioner stood convicted of multiple counts of conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and making false statements to the FBI.

On February 17, 2016, we interimly suspended petitioner from the practice of law based upon his conviction of a serious crime. In re: Arata, 16-0203 (La. 2/17/16), 184 So. 3d 671. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) then filed formal charges against petitioner. At the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings, we disbarred petitioner retroactive to the date of his interim suspension. In re: Arata, 20-1487 (La. 4/20/21), 313 So. 3d 1223.

In May 2021, petitioner filed an application for readmission with the disciplinary board, alleging he has complied with the readmission criteria set forth in Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 24(E). The ODC took no position regarding the application for readmission. Accordingly, the matter was referred for a formal hearing before a hearing committee.

Following the hearing, the committee recommended that petitioner be readmitted to the practice of law. Neither petitioner nor the ODC objected to the committee's recommendation.

DISCUSSION

After considering the record in its entirety, we find there is clear and convincing evidence of petitioner's compliance with the readmission criteria. Accordingly, we will adopt the hearing committee's recommendation and readmit petitioner to the practice of law.

DECREE

Upon review of the recommendation of the hearing committee, and considering the record, it is ordered that Michael P. Arata, Louisiana Bar Roll number 21448, be immediately readmitted to the practice of law in Louisiana. All costs of these proceedings are assessed against petitioner.