On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Hearing Committee #29 of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board recommended a one-year-and-one-day suspension for attorney Benjamin John Barrow Klein due to multiple violations of professional conduct rules. The committee’s report detailed Klein’s failure to diligently represent a client, maintain communication, and cooperate with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC).
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Benjamin John Barrow Klein,” with case no. 25-DB-004.
Klein faced formal charges filed by the ODC on January 14, 2025. The charges alleged violations of Rules 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 8.1(b) and (c) (failure to respond to disciplinary inquiries), and 8.4(c) and (d) (conduct involving dishonesty and prejudice to the administration of justice). Klein did not respond to the charges, leading to a March 20, 2025, order deeming the factual allegations admitted.
The disciplinary action stemmed from Klein’s representation of Christopher Casselberry, who hired him to handle three debt collection matters, each with a $2,000 retainer. The cases involved claims against individuals named McNemar, Strain, and a matter referred to as the Patel case, related to work at a Quality Inn. Casselberry reported difficulties contacting Klein for updates, with numerous emails going unanswered. Evidence showed Klein failed to act promptly, resulting in the abandonment of at least one case and likely a second due to inactivity since March 2020.
The committee reviewed extensive email correspondence from 2019 to 2023, documenting Casselberry’s repeated attempts to obtain case updates. Klein’s responses were often delayed, non-substantive, or absent. For example, between February 7, 2022, and January 12, 2023, Klein provided no substantive communication despite 20 client emails. The committee found that Klein’s lack of diligence and communication violated Rules 1.3 and 1.4.
Klein’s interaction with the ODC further compounded the issue. After Casselberry filed a complaint on August 14, 2023, the ODC initiated an investigation, sending Klein a letter requesting a response within 15 days. Klein sought and received two extensions but provided only a vague acknowledgment of overlooking Casselberry’s messages. Despite promising to address the issues, Klein repeatedly failed to respond to ODC’s follow-up requests, including letters sent on October 17, 2023, November 9, 2023, January 11, 2024, and February 5, 2024.
A subpoena was required for Klein to provide a sworn statement on March 27, 2024, during which he admitted to the abandonment of one case and uncertainty about the status of another. The committee deemed his failure to cooperate with the ODC a violation of Rules 8.1(b) and (c).
The committee also found Klein’s actions constituted dishonesty and prejudice to the administration of justice, violating Rules 8.4(c) and (d). Aggravating factors included a prior 2015 admonishment for similar misconduct, Klein’s substantial experience, and his indifference to addressing client issues. No mitigating factors were presented.
The committee recommended that Klein refund Casselberry $4,000 in retainers, additional fees paid for the abandoned cases, and the value of the debts pursued, with interest from the complaint’s filing date. Additionally, they suggested that any future reinstatement of Klein’s license be conditional on demonstrating improved client communication and case management systems.
The recommendation states:
“The Hearing Committee has considered the matter of Mr. Klein carefully. It is unfortunate that he did not participate in the process. The Hearing Committee makes the following recommendations: That Benjamin John Barrow Klein be suspended from the practice of law for one year and one day, with discipline to commence from the effective date of the final order of discipline.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Klein is a business attorney in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He acquired his law license in Louisiana in 2003.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
