On Friday, June 6, 2025, the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board Hearing Committee #2 recommended the conditional reinstatement of Luke Joseph Thibodeaux II to the practice of law. This decision follows a comprehensive review of Thibodeaux’s compliance with the conditions set forth after his suspension.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Luke Joseph Thibodeaux II,” with case no. 23-DB-042.
Thibodeaux, who was suspended by the Louisiana Supreme Court on January 18, 2023, for two years—with one year and one day deferred—was found to have engaged in misconduct related to domestic battery and simple battery. He filed a petition for reinstatement on June 5, 2023, after completing part of his suspension.
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) initially took a neutral stance regarding Thibodeaux’s reinstatement petition but later opposed it after filing an amended response on October 30, 2023. A hearing on October 10, 2023, could not proceed due to a lack of quorum, leading to further delays.
During the supplemental hearing held on May 20, 2025, Thibodeaux presented additional evidence of his progress in recovery and compliance with the recommendations of the Judges’ and Lawyers’ Assistance Program (JLAP). This included a substance use disorder evaluation, treatment plan, and a five-year recovery agreement. Thibodeaux testified about his ongoing recovery efforts and adherence to JLAP’s guidelines.
The Hearing Committee concluded that Thibodeaux had satisfied six of the eleven criteria required for reinstatement under Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XIX, Section 24. Notably, he demonstrated compliance with previous disciplinary orders, maintained abstinence from alcohol, and recognized the seriousness of his past misconduct.
The Committee emphasized that Thibodeaux’s reinstatement should be contingent upon his strict adherence to the new JLAP contract. Furthermore, it recommended a probationary period that would align with the remaining duration of his JLAP agreement. While the Committee acknowledged Thibodeaux’s attempts to resolve his outstanding tax liabilities with the IRS, it did not make his reinstatement conditional upon resolving those issues.
The unanimous recommendation has been reviewed by all Committee members and will be formally submitted to the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board for consideration. The Committee also advised that Thibodeaux should be responsible for the costs incurred during this disciplinary process.
This recommendation marks a significant step in Thibodeaux’s path toward returning to legal practice, reflecting the progress he has made in addressing the issues that led to his initial suspension.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Thibodeaux II is a defective and dangerous products attorney in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended the Southern University Law Center, graduating in 2008. He acquired his law license in 2009.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
