On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the Supreme Court of Louisiana suspended attorney Tristan Patrick Gilley from practicing law for one year and one day.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Tristan Patrick Gilley,” with case no. 2025-B-0713.
Gilley has a prior disciplinary record. In 2023, he received a suspension for six months, with all but ninety days deferred for failure to provide competent representation, neglect of a legal matter, failure to communicate with a client, failure to expedite litigation, failure to cooperate with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, misleading a client, and engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. He has not yet been reinstated from this earlier suspension.
The current disciplinary proceedings stem from Gilley’s representation of Tevin Turner in a 2020 criminal case in Webster Parish, where Gilley served as a public defender. Turner filed a complaint with the ODC in 2023, alleging that Gilley failed to communicate with him and did not provide him with his requested case file. The ODC attempted to contact Gilley multiple times, but he did not respond.
The ODC filed formal charges against Gilley, alleging violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct, including failure to communicate with a client, obligations upon termination of representation, failure to cooperate with the ODC, and violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Gilley did not respond to these charges, so the factual allegations were deemed admitted.
The hearing committee determined that Gilley violated duties owed to his client and the legal profession. His conduct caused harm to Turner by delaying his ability to seek post-conviction relief and harmed the disciplinary system by requiring the ODC to expend resources. Aggravating factors included Gilley’s prior disciplinary record, multiple offenses, obstruction of the disciplinary agency, and experience in law practice. No mitigating factors were found. The committee recommended a suspension of one year and one day, along with an assessment of costs and expenses.
The Supreme Court adopted the committee’s recommendation, finding the suspension appropriate. The suspension requires Gilley to file a formal petition for reinstatement to practice law in Louisiana. All costs and expenses associated with the disciplinary proceedings will be assessed against Gilley.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Gilley is a commercial real estate attorney in Shreveport, Louisiana. He acquired his law license in Louisiana in 2011.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
