2023-B-01094 Precedential Processed

In Re: Stephen Sterling, III

Louisiana Supreme Court · Filed October 3, 2023

Opinion text

Supreme Court of Louisiana
October 03, 2023
Chief Deputy Clerk of Court
For the Court
The Supreme Court of the State of Louisiana
IN RE: STEPHEN STERLING, III
No. 2023-B-01094
_ _
_ _ _ _
I
N RE: Disciplinary Counsel - Applicant Other; Stephen Sterling, III - Applicant
Other; Joint Petition for Consent Discipline;
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October 03, 2023
Joint petition for consent discipline accepted. See per curiam.
JTG
JLW
JDH
SJC
WJC
JBM
PDG
10/03/2023 "See News Release 042 for any Concurrences and/or Dissents."

SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA
NO. 2
023-B-1094
I
N RE: STEPHEN STERLING, III
AT
TORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING
P
ER CURIAM
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) commenced an investigation
into allegations that respondent neglected a legal matter, failed to communicate with
a client, failed to reduce a contingency fee agreement to writing, failed to make
reasonable efforts to expedite litigation, and misled a client about the status of her
settlement. Respondent failed to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation.
Following the filing of formal charges, respondent and the ODC submitted a joint
petition for consent discipline. Having reviewed the petition,
IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Consent Discipline be accepted and that
Stephen Sterling, III , Louisiana Bar Roll number 27298 , be suspended from the
practice of law for one year and one day. All but six months of this suspension shall
be deferred, followed by a two-year period of probation subject to the conditions set
forth in the petition for consent discipline. The probationary period shall commence
from the date respondent and the ODC execute a formal probation plan. Any failure
of respondent to comply with the conditions of probation, or any misconduct during
the probationary period, may be grounds for making the deferred portion of the
suspension executory, or imposing additional 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.
10/03/23