On Friday, February 13, 2023, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania suspended attorney Pearlette Vivian Toussant for engaging in a sexual relationship with a client.

The case is entitled “Office of the Disciplinary Counsel v. Pearlette Vivian Toussant,” with case no, 138 DB 2022.

The charges cited Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct 1.8(j) which:

Prohibits Lawyers from engaging in sexual relationships with clients unless a consensual relationship existed between them prior to the inception of the lawyer-client relationship.

The Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.

Allegedly, the respondent had a sexual relationship with her client which is in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct. This is during her representation with the said client in connection to a property damage case related to the client’s house.

The filing states:

“On March 22, 2021, Respondent sent a text message to LK in which Respondent stated that the relationship was not prohibited by the Rules of Professional Conduct: I read the ethical rules and I think we are okay.”

The filing continues:

“Respondent verbally told LK that the sexual relationship was “fine” because Respondent and she did not engage in the sexual relationship until after LK’s check had cleared. 18. Respondent admits that on March 22, 2021, she: advised |LK! that her check had cleäred and that the Foxworth Law Firm could begin work on [LR’ S] potential litigation matter. However, 1n an abundance of caution, The respondent once again reviewed the Rules of Ethical Conduct to ensure that the actions that she had taken in seeking and receiving [LK’ s} consent were permissible. Satisfied that her actions were with the Rulles, Ms. advised [LK] accordingly. Shortly thereafter, on or about March 23, 2021, Respondent] and [LK] began their physical1 relationship.”

With all the facts, allegations, and documentary evidence, the Petitioner and Respondent jointly recommended that the appropriate Discipline for such conduct is a suspension of one year. The respondent then consented to the Discipline being imposed upon her.

The Disposition states:

“AND NOW, this 13th day of February 2023, upon consideration of the Recommendation of the Three-Member Panel of the Disciplinary Board, the Joint Petition in Support of Discipline on Consent is granted, and Pearlette Vivian Toussant is suspended on consent from the Bar of this Commonwealth for a period of one year. Respondent shall comply with all the provisions of Pa.R.D.E. 217 and pay costs to the Disciplinary Board. See Pa.R.D.E. 208(g).”

As of today, Ms. Toussant is listed on the Cowper Law firm as a practicing attorney. She attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She practices in Philadephia, Pennsylvania. She is licensed in Pennsylvania. Her info can be found on lawyers.com.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.