On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Louisiana Supreme Court suspended attorney Benjamin John Barrow Klein from practicing law for one year and one day. The disciplinary action stems from formal charges filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) regarding Klein’s representation of Christopher Casselberry and his company, Corporate Green, LLC, in debt collection matters.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Benjamin John Barrow Klein,” with case number 2025-B-0927.
The ODC’s investigation began in August 2023 after receiving a complaint from Casselberry, who alleged difficulties in contacting Klein for updates on his cases. Casselberry stated that numerous emails to Klein went unanswered. While Klein initially requested and was granted an extension to respond to the ODC complaint, Casselberry later informed the ODC that communication issues persisted. Despite further requests from the ODC, Klein failed to provide updates on his communications with Casselberry, prompting the issuance of a subpoena for a sworn statement.
In his sworn statement on March 27, 2024, Klein admitted to neglecting the cases but did not provide a reasonable explanation for his failure to pursue the claims or communicate with his client. He was then instructed to advise Casselberry of potential malpractice and to recommend that he seek counsel from another attorney.
Klein received an extension until May 3, 2024, to confirm that he had relayed this information to Casselberry, but failed to provide proof by the deadline, instead requesting a meeting with the ODC. The ODC continued to request a resolution or information before formal charges were filed, but Klein did not respond.
In January 2025, the ODC filed formal charges against Klein, alleging violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct, including failure to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, failure to communicate with a client, knowing failure to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority, failure to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation, engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, and engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Because Klein failed to answer the formal charges, the factual allegations were deemed admitted and proven. The hearing committee, after reviewing the ODC’s submission and other evidence, found that Klein had violated the Rules of Professional Conduct as charged. The committee noted that Casselberry’s complaint involved three separate collection matters, each with its own attorney-client agreement and a separate $2,000 retainer fee for each matter paid by Casselberry. Communications between Klein and Casselberry dwindled, with no substantive contact occurring after January 12, 2023, “214 days before and 20 emails” prior to the filing of the complaint.
The committee determined that Klein’s actions were negligent, knowing, and intentional, causing actual harm to his client. Aggravating factors included Klein’s prior disciplinary record, dishonest or selfish motive, substantial experience in the practice of law, and indifference in making restitution. No mitigating factors were found. The hearing committee recommended a suspension of one year and one day, along with restitution to Casselberry and his company.
The Supreme Court, in its review, found clear and convincing evidence that Klein neglected legal matters, failed to communicate with his client, engaged in dishonest conduct, engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, and failed to cooperate with the ODC’s investigation.
The court ordered that Klein be suspended from the practice of law for one year and one day and that he make appropriate restitution to his client. All costs and expenses associated with the disciplinary proceedings were assessed against Klein.
According to Avvo, Mr. Klein is a business lawyer in Baton Rouge, LA. He acquired his law license in Louisiana in 2003.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
