On Friday, January 10, 2025, the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board recommended a suspension of one year and one day for attorney Carl V. Williams, following violations of multiple professional conduct rules. This decision comes after a hearing committee found that Williams failed to uphold his responsibilities to clients and the legal profession.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Carl V. Williams,” with case no. 24-DB-021.
The disciplinary action stems from formal charges filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) on July 31, 2024. The charges included allegations that Williams violated several rules, including those related to diligence, communication, safekeeping client property, and cooperating with disciplinary investigations.
According to the report, the specific case involved Williams completing the succession of Alvin Banks Sr. in 2006. His misconduct primarily revolved around handling funds related to the sale of Banks Sr.’s property. It was alleged that Williams failed to inform Banks’ son, Alvin Banks Jr., about the sale and the proceeds he was entitled to receive. Banks Jr. was reportedly unaware that his father’s house had been sold in 2017 until he received a call from Williams in January 2020.
During this call, Williams informed Banks Jr. that he would be sending him a check from the sale of the house. However, Banks Jr. claimed he had not received any payments or necessary documents from Williams. After failing to respond to a complaint sent by the ODC in November 2021, Williams was subpoenaed to provide a sworn statement in February 2022. It was during this statement that he admitted to withdrawing over $7,500 from his trust account for personal use, funds that rightfully belonged to Banks Jr.
The committee noted that Williams did eventually send the owed amount, including legal interest, to Banks Jr. in March 2022, but only after the complaint had been filed and the subpoena issued.
The findings concluded that Williams had violated several rules of professional conduct, including Rule 1.3, which mandates that attorneys act with reasonable diligence, and Rule 1.4, which requires adequate communication with clients. He was also found in violation of Rule 1.15, which governs the safekeeping of client property, and Rule 8.1(c), which requires attorneys to cooperate with investigations conducted by the ODC.
In determining the appropriate sanction, the hearing committee considered several factors as outlined in Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XIX. They assessed whether Williams had violated any duties owed to clients and the public, whether his actions were intentional or negligent, and the potential harm caused to Banks Jr. The committee noted that Williams acted knowingly, as he was aware of his obligation to disburse the funds but chose to convert them for his own use.
The committee’s report pointed out that Williams’ disciplinary history played a significant role in their decision. He has faced multiple disciplinary actions throughout his career, including a previous suspension in 1998 for similar issues related to client fund mismanagement. His record includes prior admonitions and suspensions for failing to communicate with clients and mishandling client funds.
The board ultimately concluded that a significant suspension was warranted due to the serious nature of the violations and the aggravating factors present, including Williams’ prior disciplinary offenses and his lack of cooperation during the investigation.
The recommendation states:
“The Committee finds that Respondent violated the Rules as charged and recommends that he be suspended from the practice of law for one year and one day. *The Committee also recommends Respondent be assessed with the costs and expenses of the proceeding pursuant to RuleXIX, 510.1.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Williams is an attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana. He acquired his law license in Louisiana in 1987.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
