In Re: Michael Blake Hale

Supreme Court of Louisiana
February 24, 2023
Chief Deputy Clerk of Court
For the Court
The Supreme Court of the State of Louisiana
IN RE: MICHAEL BLAKE HALE
No. 2023-B-00041
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I
N RE: Office of Disciplinary Counsel - Applicant Other; Michael Blake Hale -
Applicant Other; Joint Petition for Consent Discipline;
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February 24, 2023
Joint petition for consent discipline accepted. See per curiam.
Crichton, J., dissents and assigns reasons.
Genovese, J., dissents and would disallow retroactivity.
JTG
JLW
JDH
WJC
JBM
PDG
02/24/2023 "See News Release 011 for any Concurrences and/or Dissents."

SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA
NO. 2023-B-0041
IN RE: MICHAEL BLAKE HALE
ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
PER CURIAM
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) commenced an investigation
into allegations that respondent neglected two legal matters, failed to communicate
with two clients, engaged in a conflict of interest, failed to return a client’s file,
engaged in criminal conduct, and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the
administration of justice. Following the filing of formal charges, respondent and the
ODC submitted a joint petition for consent discipline, in which the parties stipulated
that respondent has violated Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.7, 1.16(d), 8.4(a), 8.4(b), and 8.4(d) of
the Rules of Professional Conduct. Having reviewed the petition,
IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Consent Discipline be accepted and that
Michael Blake Hale , Louisiana Bar Roll number 30538, be suspended from the
practice of law for a period of one year and one day , retroactive to April 21 , 2022,
the date of his interim suspension.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that prior to seeking reinstatement, respondent
shall comply with the conditions set forth in the petition for consent discipline.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all costs and expenses in the m atter 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 t his court’s
judgment until paid.
February 24, 2023
02/24/23