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In re Casanova11/22/2002
lients, as well as charges of failure to cooperate and the failure of respondent to properly terminate the representation of his clients. Consequently, the baseline sanction in this case is greater than the one-year suspension identified in Trichel. Although some mitigating factors exist, the hearing committee properly recognized that they are heavily outweighed by the aggravating factors present. Most disturbing among the aggravating factors is respondent's prior disciplinary record of four admonitions between 1996 and 1998 for misconduct similar to that at issue in the instant case. Each of these admonitions presented respondent with an opportunity to correct his deficiencies, but it is obvious that he did not avail himself of the chances he was given. Respondent now represents to this court that he has taken steps to improve the management of his office, and asks for a second chance. While we commend respondent for his efforts, there is a limit to this court's patience. We will not tolerate a pattern of conduct which places an attorney's clients at risk. Quite simply, nothing less than a fairly lengthy suspension would be responsive to the misconduct in this case.
Accordingly, we will suspend respondent from the practice of law for a period of eighteen months.
DECREE
Upon review of the findings and recommendation of the hearing committee and disciplinary board, and considering the record and the additional briefing of the parties, it is ordered that Joseph R. Casanova be suspended from the practice of law in Louisiana for a period of eighteen months. All costs and expenses in the matter are assessed against respondent in accordance with Supreme Court Rule XIX, ยง 10.1, with legal interest to commence thirty days from the date of finality of this court's judgment until paid.
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