On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board recommended a one-year-and-one-day suspension for attorney Ronald Sidney Haley, Jr., following allegations of professional misconduct in three consolidated disciplinary cases. The board also proposed that Haley cover the costs of the proceedings, as outlined in Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XIX. The recommendation, stemming from formal charges filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), awaits final approval from the Louisiana Supreme Court.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Ronald Sidney Haley, Jr.,” with case nos. 23-DB-014, 23-DB-025, and 23-DB-033.

In the first two cases, consolidated for review, the board found that Haley violated rules requiring diligence, client communication, and conduct that supports the administration of justice. Specifically, in case 23-DB-014, client Timothy Beasley alleged that Haley failed to file a promised appeal and misrepresented its status, leading to delays in his criminal case. Beasley had hired Haley to represent him in a drug-related case, paying $10,000 of a $15,000 fee.

In case 23-DB-025, client Tevin Scott claimed Haley misinformed him about a plea agreement. Scott’s mother paid Haley $6,000 to handle criminal and potential civil matters. The board concluded that Haley’s lack of diligence and communication caused harm, such as Scott remaining in jail for an extra two months and Beasley losing an appeal opportunity. However, allegations of dishonesty and false statements in these cases were not proven.

In the third case, 23-DB-033, the board confirmed that Haley violated rules against practicing law while suspended. From December 2021 to June 2022, Haley was under a prior suspension but advised client Marcus Clayton about his criminal matter, an act deemed unauthorized practice. The board found no evidence to support claims that Haley knowingly disobeyed court rules, made false statements, or engaged in dishonest conduct during this period. Allegations that Haley accepted payments for legal services while suspended, including $10,000 for a case and tires valued at $3,168, were not substantiated.

Haley’s disciplinary history includes two prior suspensions. In 2016, he received a fully deferred one-year-and-one-day suspension for a criminal act reflecting adversely on his fitness as a lawyer, following a DWI conviction. In 2021, he was suspended for one year and one day, with six months deferred, for neglecting client matters, failing to communicate, and entering a business transaction with a client. These prior offenses were noted as aggravating factors in the board’s recent recommendation, alongside a pattern of misconduct and Haley’s substantial legal experience. No mitigating factors were identified.

The Hearing Committee recommended a one-year-and-one-day suspension. The board consolidated the cases and, after reviewing testimony and evidence, determined that a unified one-year-and-one-day suspension was appropriate for the combined misconduct. Haley objected to the committee findings but did not file a brief to support his objections, leading to the waiver of oral arguments. The matter is set for review by the Louisiana Supreme Court, which will determine the final sanction.

The recommendation states:

“The Board recommends that Ronald Sidney Haley, Jr., Louisiana Bar Roll Number 30900, be suspended for one year and one day. The Board further recommends that he be assessed with the costs and expenses of these proceedings in accordance with Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XIX, §10.1(A.”

According to avvo.com, Mr. Haley Jr. is an attorney in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He acquired his law license in Louisiana in 2007.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.