NEW ORLEANS — Already barred from practicing law for a year, Clifton Davis, Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s chief of staff, has been hit with another nine-month suspension for dealing with legal matters while on suspension.
Davis, who was removed as Cantrell’s chief legal counsel due to his 2023 suspension, agreed to the additional nine-month suspension to avoid being formally charged by the state’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
In its acceptance of the suspension, the Louisiana Supreme Court wrote that Davis “failed to timely file a lawsuit on behalf of his client, attempted to fax-file the petition when he was ineligible to practice law, and misled his client about the matter.”
“This misconduct occurred during the same period as the misconduct for which respondent was previously suspended,” the high court wrote in its one-page ruling.
Davis was previously charged by the Disciplinary Counsel in February 2023 for misusing client funds for personal expenses.
The state’s investigation found that Davis used a trust account for clients to withdraw cash for personal purchases, leaving the account unable to meet his legal responsibilities.
After failing to cooperate with the investigation or respond to violation notices, Davis agreed to a 366-day suspension, which began in December.
Davis’ new suspension will be served after he completes his current penalty, making him ineligible to practice law until late 2025. Davis also was ordered to pay the costs of the disciplinary proceedings.
WWL Louisiana reached out to Davis and the city administration for comment, but they have not yet responded.
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