IN RE: Philip MONTELEPRE (2023)

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 engaged in a pattern of filing frivolous lawsuits, propounded frivolous and irrelevant discovery, misrepresented that he was a certified public accountant in a judicial campaign advertisement, violated state and federal law, made fraudulent misrepresentations, and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. When the ODC attempted to investigate these matters, respondent failed to cooperate with the investigation. Respondent and the ODC then submitted a joint petition for consent discipline. Having reviewed the petition,

IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Consent Discipline be accepted and that Philip Montelepre, Louisiana Bar Roll number 9562, be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three years, with all but one year and one day deferred.

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., dissents and would reject the proposed discipline as too lenient. Crichton, J., dissents and would reject the proposed discipline as too lenient. Crain, J., concurs. Griffin, J., dissents and would reject the proposed discipline as too lenient.