FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE # 42
FROM: CLERK OF SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA
The Opinions handed down on the 29th day of June, 2007, are as follows:
PER CURIAM:
2006-OB-1408
IN RE: THOMAS S. EDWARDS
(Bar Admissions)
Accordingly, it is ordered that the application for admission be and
hereby is denied.
06/29/07
SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA
NO. 06-OB-1408
IN RE: THOMAS SCOTT EDWARDS
ON APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR
PER CURIAM
Petitioner, Thomas Scott Edwards, applied to sit for the Louisiana Bar
Examination. On his application, petitioner disclosed arrests and citations for
numerous alcohol-related criminal charges. After review of this information, the
Committee on Bar Admissions (“Committee”) determined that it was appropriate to
refer petitioner for a substance abuse evaluation. Following the evaluation, and
petitioner’s completion of a six-week outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program,
petitioner and the Committee filed a joint petition for conditional admission in this
court. The parties proposed that petitioner be admitted to the bar on a conditional
basis for a period of five years, subject to the requirement that he comply with all of
the terms and conditions of his contract with the Lawyers Assistance Program. On
June 14, 2006, we denied the petition for conditional admission on the showing made
and appointed a commissioner to take evidence concerning petitioner’s character and
fitness to practice law. We also authorized the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to
conduct an investigation into petitioner’s qualifications to be admitted to the bar.
The commissioner conducted a character and fitness hearing in January 2007,
pursuant to Supreme Court Rule XVII, § 9(B).
Following the hearing, the
commissioner filed his report with this court, recommending that petitioner be
conditionally admitted to the practice of law. The Committee objected to that
recommendation, and oral argument was conducted before this court pursuant to
Supreme Court Rule XVII, § 9(B)(3).
After hearing oral argument, reviewing the evidence, and considering the law,
we conclude petitioner has failed to meet his burden of proving that he has “good
moral character” to be admitted to the Louisiana State Bar Association. See Supreme
Court Rule XVII, § 5(E).
Accordingly, it is ordered that the application for admission be and hereby is
denied.
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