On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, the Supreme Court of the State of Louisiana ordered the extension of the probation imposed upon New Orleans attorney Paul John Barker in relation to his suspension over allegations of failure to disburse settlement funds owed to a third party.

The case is styled as ‘In Re: Paul John Barker’ and was brought by the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel under case no. 2022-B-1438.

The charges cited Rules 1.15 and 8.4(a) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

The rules of professional conduct can be found here.

On April 20, 2021, the Court suspended Respondent from the practice of law for a period of one year and one day, with the suspension fully deferred in its entirety, subject to probation to coincide with the term of respondent’s recovery agreement with the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program with conditions.

The Order states:

“Respondent and the ODC submitted a joint petition for consent discipline in which respondent admitted that his conduct violated Rules 1.15 and 8.4(d) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.”

The Court accepted the petition and extended the period of probation.

The Disposition reads:

“IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Consent Discipline be accepted and that the period of probation imposed upon Paul John Barker, Louisiana Bar Roll number 34432, in In re: Barker, 21-0187 (La. 4/20/21), 313 So. 3d 1231, shall be extended for one year, subject to the conditions set forth in the Petition for Consent Discipline. Any failure of respondent to comply with the conditions of probation, or any misconduct during the probationary period, ay be grounds for the revocation of probation and imposition of the previously deferred suspension or other discipline, as appropriate.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all costs and expenses in the matter are assessed against respondent in accordance with Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 10.1, with legal interest to commence thirty days from the date of finality of this court’s judgment until paid.”

Mr. Paul J. Barker is listed as the managing owner of The Law Offices of Paul J Barker, LLC serving New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended the Southern University Law Center, graduating in 2012. Barker has been licensed in Louisiana. His info can be found on LinkedIn.

A copy of the order of reprimand can be found here.