Louisiana Disciplinary Board Dismisses Charges Against Attorney Christopher H. Carbine, Cites Lack of Harm to Clients

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board Hearing Committee #9 recommended the dismissal of all charges against Attorney Christopher H. Carbine.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Christopher H. Carbine,” with case no. 24-DB-012.

The decision followed a hearing on November 20, 2024, addressing formal charges filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) against Carbine. The charges stemmed from two cases, referred to as the Hutcherson matter and the Williams matter, alleging violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

In the Hutcherson matter, Emma Hutcherson hired Carbine and co-counsel Leo Caillier III on October 15, 2021, to handle a wrongful termination and employment case under a contingency fee agreement. At the time, Hutcherson had not yet filed a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Between October 2021 and June 2022, Hutcherson was unable to contact either attorney about her case.

On May 19, 2022, Caillier’s staff filed an EEOC claim on her behalf, and on June 3, 2022, the EEOC issued a “right to sue” letter, giving Hutcherson 90 days to file a lawsuit. The letter was sent to Caillier’s office and was accessible via an EEOC online portal, but Hutcherson testified she never received it or had access to the portal. In June 2022, Caillier ended his representation, and Carbine informed Hutcherson of a professional fallout with Caillier. Hutcherson then hired attorney Willard Brown, who failed to file her lawsuit before the deadline, resulting in the claim’s expiration.

In the Williams matter, Angela Williams also hired Carbine and Caillier on October 15, 2021, for a similar employment case. Williams had already received her EEOC “right to sue” letter, and the attorneys filed her lawsuit in state court on November 10, 2021, which was later moved to federal court. Between November 2021 and June 2022, Williams could not reach either attorney. She learned from Caillier’s staff about a settlement offer, but no further communication occurred. Caillier terminated his representation in June 2022, and Williams hired Brown, who settled her case in March 2023, reportedly for less than an earlier offer.

The committee found that Carbine and Caillier had agreed to split responsibilities, with Caillier handling EEOC filings due to Carbine’s limited experience in employment law. The retainer agreements, signed by both clients, listed both attorneys as co-counsel. The committee noted that Hutcherson’s case was hindered by the failure to provide her with the EEOC letter, which was managed by Caillier’s office. Carbine attempted to obtain the letter after his fallout with Caillier, but was fired by Hutcherson before resolving the issue. In the Williams case, Carbine ensured the timely filing of her lawsuit.

The committee concluded that Carbine committed minor violations of Rule 1.1, due to his limited expertise in EEOC matters, and Rule 1.4(a)(3), for inadequate communication with clients. However, it found no violations of Rules 1.2(c) or 1.16(d), as Carbine properly informed clients of the joint representation, and Hutcherson received her file, minus the EEOC letter, upon termination.

The committee determined that Carbine’s actions were negligent, not intentional, and caused no harm to the clients, as the primary issues arose from Caillier’s and Brown’s actions. Citing no prior disciplinary history and Carbine’s remorse, the committee recommended dismissal, emphasizing that responsibility lay with others.

The recommendation states:

“The Committee recommends Dismissal, despite ‘technical violation.” The Committee strongly believes that the real culpability here lies with individuals whose actions are not up for its review. It is the opinion of the Committee that it is neither just nor in compliance with the ABA Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions to sanction one legal professional for the actions or inactions of another. The Committee finds that the cases and evidence support a lack of sanction.”

According to Avvo.com, Mr. Carbine is a criminal defense attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, graduating in 2014. He acquired his law license in Louisiana in 2015.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.