In re Smith

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

This attorney disciplinary proceeding arises from eight counts of formal charges filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) against Willie Fred Smith, a attorney licensed to practice law in Louisiana, but currently ineligible.1

UNDERLYING FACTS

In August of 1997, Robert Purifoy, an Arkansas resident, retained respondent to institute proceedings in connection with the succession of Mr. Purifoy’s father. Mr. Purifoy gave respondent $960 as a retainer and for court costs, as well as for payment of back taxes on a large tract of immovable property owned by…