Louisiana Lawyer Convicted in Scheme to Defraud State Disbarred

A Louisiana lawyer convicted of helping to defraud a state tax credit program of $1.1 million was disbarred by the state’s highest court.

But ordinary—not permanent—disbarment “is the most reasonable sanction under the facts of this matter,” the Louisiana Supreme Court said on Tuesday.

As part of the tax-credit scheme in connection with a building renovation, Michael Peter Arata was convicted of submitting paperwork for costs that hadn’t been incurred, the court said, noting that he never profited from the fraud. Arata received probation and a fine.

The convictions are conclusive evidence that Arata violated ethics rules 8.4(a), (b), and ...