On September 14, 2022, the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board recommended to the Louisiana Supreme Court that Georgia attorney Joseph Harold Turner, Jr. be adjudged guilty of additional misconduct.
The case is styled ‘Joseph Harold Turner, Jr, with Case #20-DB-003.
The charges cited rules of professional conduct Rules 1.1(b), 1.1(c), 1.5(f), 5.5(a), 8.1(c), 8.4(a),8.4(c), and 8.4(d) which state:
Competence failure to comply with the minimum requirements of continuing legal education
Competence – failure to comply with Supreme Court’s rules regarding annual registration, including payment of Bar dues and disciplinary assessment, timely notification of changes of address, and proper disclosure of trust account information or any changes therein.
Failure to return an unearned fee.
Unauthorized practice of law.
Failure to cooperate with ODC investigation.
Violate or attempt to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
Engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
The rules of professional conduct can be found online.
The following are as alleged and summarized from the filing:
Respondent is currently disbarred in Louisiana and Georgia. Prior to disbarment, Respondent had been ineligible to practice law in Louisiana for several years for failing to fulfill mandatory continuing legal education requirements, failing to pay bar dues and the disciplinary assessment, and failing to file a trust account disclosure statement. Respondent also has a history of several additional prior periods of ineligibility for failure to comply with professional administrative requirements. Despite Respondent’s ineligible status, he accepted and performed legal duties.
The filing states:
“Respondent accepted a $2,500.00 fee to perform legal services when he was ineligible to practice law and has failed to return this unearned fee in violation of Rule 1.5(f). Respondent also engaged in the unauthorized practice of law in violation of Rule 5.5(a) by engaging in negotiations with assistant district attorneys from two parishes and members of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office as the attorney for criminal defendants while Respondent was ineligible to practice.”
The filing continues:
‘Respondent violated duties to his clients, the legal system, the profession, and the public. Respondent’s conduct was knowing, if not intentional. Respondent’s accepting representation and a fee while he was ineligible caused actual harm to his clients. Respondent’s engaging in the unauthorized practice of law while ineligible created potential for further harm to his clients and the legal system as his misconduct could potentially affect the validity of the legal actions and proceedings in which he participated while ineligible. Finally, Respondent has caused damage to the profession by his misconduct in failing to respond to or cooperate in any way with the ODC in the investigation of the complaint giving rise to this proceeding.’
The filing further alleges:
‘Respondent stated at oral argument that his medical problems were first detected in 2019. His psychologist and psychiatrist suggested that his problem may be caused by something organic. Respondent stated that further medical consultations have resulted in differences in medical opinions regarding his medical condition , but his medical issues are ongoing . Respondent did not provide any updated medical records to the Board. Regarding the charges of misconduct, he stated that, while he understood that the factual allegations had been deemed admitted, he did not actually get paid from the clients involved, he obtained other counsel for the clients, and he felt the situation had been resolved based upon discussions at that time.’
The Board adopts the Committee’s factual findings and concludes that Respondent violated the specified Rules as charged.
The Disposition states that:
“The Board recommends that Joseph Harold Turner, Jr. be adjudged guilty of additional misconduct, specifically, violations of Rules1.1 (b), 1.1(c), 1.5(f), 5.5(a), 8.1(c), 8.4(a),8.4(c), and 8.4(d), as charged in this proceeding, and that these violations be considered if and when he seeks readmission to the practice of law in Louisiana. The Board further recommends that Respondent be ordered to pay restitution to his clients in the amount of $2,500.00.The Board additionally recommends that Respondent be assessed with the costs and expenses of these proceedings in accordance with Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XIX, §10.1(A).”
As of today, Mr. Turner is listed on the website of law firm Joseph H. Turner Jr. PC as a practicing attorney. He attended Emory University School of Law, graduating in 1997. He has been licensed in Louisiana, license #26134. His info can be found online.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
