Alexandria, LA: Attorney disbarred for stealing from law partners

Alexandria attorney W. Brent Pearson has been disbarred for stealing from his law partners, the Louisiana Supreme Court announced this week.

The state’s highest court, which rules on attorneys investigated by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, wrote that Pearson managed the money for Crowell and Owens.

“In January 2010, the firm discovered some eighteen unauthorized withdrawals from (the firm’s payroll management company) totaling $133,489.75, all payable directly to (Pearson) or to persons or companies affiliated with or controlled by” Pearson, the court wrote in a ruling released Tuesday.

Pearson acknowledged to his partners that he took the money then resigned.

“However, prior to his departure, he distributed $29,000 of the firm’s funds to himself without the knowledge, consent, or permission of other partners,” the court wrote.
Pearson appeared before the court in a disciplinary hearing in September.

Justices learned that Pearson had been able to hide the thefts because he kept the books for the law firm.

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