Louisiana Supreme Court suspends Attorney McCloskey for two years for misconduct

On Tuesday, March  14, 2023, the Supreme Court of Louisiana ordered the suspension of Louisiana lawyer Edward J. McCloskey for two years due to misconduct.

The case, titled “In the Matter of Edward J. McCloskey,” was brought by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel with case no. #21-DB-046.

The charges cited a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct Rules Rules 1.15(a) (safekeeping property of clients and third persons) and 8.4(c) (engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation).

The case stemmed from an overdraft notice from Capital Bank, related to Mr. McCloskey’s trust account. According to the notice, there were four checks returned for insufficient funds. It was also alleged that Mr. McCloskey did not provide all the requested documents as part of ODC’s investigation. It was further alleged that Mr. McCloskey misused his trust account and converted client funds.

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board found that the Respondent violated duties owed to his clients, the public, and the legal profession. He acted knowingly in converting the clerk of court refunds to his own use and caused actual harm. He acted negligently in mishandling his client’s trust account.” The same recommended to the Louisiana Supreme Court that the respondent be suspended from the practice of law for two years, with all but one year deferred.

The order states:

“Upon review of the findings and recommendations of the hearing committee and disciplinary board, and considering the record, it is ordered that Edward J.McCloskey, LouisianaBar Roll number 9152, be and he hereby is suspended from the practice of law for a period of two years. It is further ordered that all but one year of this suspension shall be deferred. Following the completion of the active portion of his suspension, the respondent shall be placed on probation for a period of one year governed by the conditions recommended by the disciplinary board”

McCloskey practices in New Orleans, Louisiana with license no. 09152. He received his J.D. from Tulane University in 1971. He is the owner of the Law Office of Edward J. McCloskey.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.