On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board Hearing Committee #40 recommended the reinstatement of Glenn M. Constantino, Jr. to the practice of law, after a suspension dating back to 1997. Constantino’s suspension resulted from self-reported trust account violations involving approximately $58,000 withheld from settlements intended for third parties.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Glenn M. Constantino, Jr.,” with case number 25-DB015.
The original disciplinary action was initiated when Constantino reported himself to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) for misappropriating client trust funds. While the total amount involved was significant, the maximum deficit at any given time was between $10,000 and $15,000.
The hearing committee noted that Constantino had made full reimbursement to all but one individual, with whom he had an agreement for periodic payments. Constantino and the ODC jointly filed a motion for interim suspension, effective January 31, 1997. Formal charges were subsequently instituted, and Constantino admitted to them, limiting the hearing to the presentation of mitigating evidence. At the time, Constantino openly acknowledged a compulsive gambling disorder, attended Gamblers Anonymous meetings, and displayed remorse. The suspension was for two years, retroactive to the interim suspension.
Constantino filed for reinstatement on March 31, 2025, twenty-eight years after his initial suspension. The ODC responded on June 3, 2025, taking no position on the reinstatement but requesting a hearing to establish a record and explain the delay. A hearing occurred on August 8, 2025, with Harry J. Philips, Jr. representing Constantino and Paul E. Pendley representing the ODC.
During the hearing, Constantino testified with candor and sincerity, expressing remorse for his past actions. He explained that he wasn’t eager to return to practicing law, but the monks at Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas requested his reinstatement to serve as their in-house counsel. Constantino currently uses his accounting degree while living near the monastery with his family. Abbot Elijah Owens testified that the abbey would benefit from Constantino’s reinstatement.
Additional witnesses testified on Constantino’s behalf, including Abbot Owens, Fr. Jerome Kodell, James “Sonny” Chastain, Thomas A. “Tim” Barfield, and Charles B. “Chuck” Plattsmier. These individuals vouched for Constantino’s character and suitability for reinstatement.
The committee considered Rule XIX, §24 of the Louisiana Supreme Court Rules, which outlines the criteria for reinstatement. The committee found that Constantino had met the requirements, including full compliance with prior disciplinary orders, no unauthorized practice of law during suspension, and recognition of the wrongfulness of his prior misconduct.
Dr. Heather Kleckinger provided a report characterizing Constantino as a low risk for relapse of his gambling compulsion. The Committee also determined that Constantino has the requisite honesty and integrity to practice law. Evidence was presented demonstrating Constantino has kept up to date with recent developments in the law, has paid his dues to the Louisiana State Bar Association, has paid all filing fees owed to the Clerk of Court and all disciplinary costs to the Disciplinary Board, has paid to the Disciplinary Board currently owed disciplinary administration and enforcement fees, and has obtained a certification from the Client Assistance Fund.
The recommendation states:
“The Committee emphatically recommends that Glenn M. Constantino Jr.’s petition to be reinstated be GRANTED. He not only met, but exceeded, the burden of proving “clear and convincing evidence” he deserves it.”
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
