On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of Louisiana suspended attorney Carl V. Williams from practicing law for one year and one day due to professional misconduct. Williams faced formal charges from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) for mishandling client funds and failing to communicate with a client.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Carl V. Williams,” with case no. 2025-B-0200.
The charges stemmed from Williams’ work on the succession of Alvin Banks, Sr., who died in 2006. In 2017, the heirs sold a property, and Williams distributed the proceeds to all heirs except Alvin Banks, Jr., who was owed $7,514.11. Williams stated he lacked contact information for Banks and held the funds in his client trust account until 2020, when he transferred them to his account.
In 2021, Banks filed a disciplinary complaint against Williams, who initially did not respond promptly, leading to a subpoena for a sworn statement in February 2022. During the statement, Williams admitted to transferring the funds and failing to remit them to Banks. In March 2022, he sent Banks a check for $9,090.48, covering the owed amount plus interest.
The ODC filed formal charges in July 2024, alleging violations of several Rules of Professional Conduct, including failure to act diligently, failure to communicate, improper handling of client funds, and dishonest conduct. Williams did not respond to the charges, and the allegations were deemed admitted under Supreme Court rules.
The hearing committee reviewed the case and recommended a one-year-and-one-day suspension, citing Williams’ knowing violation of duties that caused harm to his client by delaying access to funds for over four years. Aggravating factors included Williams’ prior disciplinary record and substantial legal experience. Mitigating factors included the delay in the disciplinary process and the remoteness of some prior infractions.
Williams’ disciplinary history includes a 1996 admonition for failing to communicate and cooperate with the ODC, a 1998 one-year suspension (with most deferred) for neglecting a case and mishandling funds, a 2007 admonition for not using a written fee agreement, a 2011 suspension for converting client funds, and an additional 2011 suspension for practicing law while suspended.
The court found insufficient evidence to support a charge of non-cooperation with the ODC, noting Williams provided responses and appeared for his sworn statement. The suspension requires Williams to apply formally for reinstatement if he seeks to resume practicing law.
The Disposition states:
“Upon review of the findings and recommendations of the hearing committee, and considering the record, it is ordered that Carl V. Williams, Louisiana Bar Roll number 18507, be and he hereby is suspended from the practice of law for one year and one day.”
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.
