Opinion ID: 1735401
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Hypothetical Telephone Conversation Between Patrick J. Briney And His Clients (Judges of The 15th Judicial District Court)

Text: Patrick Briney: Ring ... ring ... ring . . . Judge Everett: Hello? Patrick Briney: Glen? Judge Everett: Yes ... Patrick Briney: Hi Glen, this is Pat ... how are you my good friend? Judge Everett: Hey Pat ... I'm doing fine ... how are you? Patrick Briney: I can't complain ... although I'm having to work more than I'd like especially since Simon is trying to disqualify me. Judge Everett: Yeah, that's an interesting situation. I'm told Ed dismissed the motion without even allowing a hearing. Patrick Briney: Yeah ... we made Simon take writs to the Supreme Court... Of course, they reversed and remanded. Judge Everett: So I heard. Patrick Briney: Yeah ... lucky for us they appointed Judge Anne Simon ... she's made short shrift of Simon's motion... thank God she reversed her previous discovery ruling and didn't allow Simon to take my deposition ... I think I dodged a bullet there ... Judge Everett: Yeah, what's Simon going to do now? Patrick Briney: Oh, if history is any indication, he'll take writs. We should be alright since Judge Simon denied Simon's motion and I did not have to disclose all of the details of our relationship. Judge Everett: Well, Pat what can I do for you today? Patrick Briney: I was calling about the situation in State v. Cavazos ... are you wearing your official black judicial robe? Judge Everett: Hold on ... it's hanging right here ... let me put it on ... Patrick Briney: That would be a good idea ... (pause) Judge Everett: Pat? Patrick Briney: Yeah, Glen ... Judge Everett: Ok ... I've got my official black judicial robe on. Patrick Briney: Great, now we can talk about State v. Cavazos because, as you know, I only represent you all in your official capacity. What are we going to do if the Supreme Court grants Attorney Block's writ? Judge Everett: Hell ... I don't know... we probably should get Judge Edwards on the phone since he has taken my place as chief judge. Patrick Briney: Good idea ... I happen to have his personal cell phone number right here, I'll try to conference him now. (pause) Judge Edwards: Hello? Patrick Briney: Jules ... it's Pat ... I've got Glen on the line. Judge Edwards: Hey Pat ... hey Glen... what's up? Patrick Briney: I had called Glen to talk about State v. Cavazos. Judge Everett: And I figured since you were now chief judge that we should get you on the phone. Patrick Briney: You have your official black judicial robe handy? Judge Edwards: I'm actually at the National Guard headquarters and don't have my official black judicial robe. Patrick Briney: Well ... you probably should [not] participate because, as you know, I only represent you all in your official capacity. Judge Everett: Fortunately, Pat caught me at my office and I have my robe on. Patrick Briney: Well, Jules ... with your permission we'll continue to discuss State v. Cavazos without you. I'll give you a call later. Will you have your robe and shall I call you at home or on your cell phone? Judge Edwards: I'll be home and yes I'll have my robe so we can talk then. Patrick Briney: Great, we'll talk then. Bye Jules. Judge Edwards: Bye Pat ... bye Glen. Judge Everett: Bye Jules. Patrick Briney: Well, what next? Judge Everett: Let's try to get Ed on the phone. Patrick Briney: Good idea, I happen to also have his private cell phone number. Chances are, however, he'll be on the tennis courts and won't have his official black judicial robe handy. Judge Everett: He sure does love that tennis! (pause) Judge Rubin: Hello? Patrick Briney: Ed, hello this is Pat, I've got Glen on the line. Judge Rubin: Hey Pat, hey Glen ... how you all doing? Patrick Briney: Great. Judge Everett: Working as usual ... what are you doing, playing tennis? Judge Rubin: Of course, I've got to practice ... Chanda is coming home next week and I know she'll want to play. By the way Glen, do you think you can cover my cases so that I can play tennis with Chanda next week? Judge Everett: Not a problem, next week is my office week. Judge Rubin: Great. So what's up? Patrick Briney: I was calling to talk about State v. Cavazos. Judge Rubin: Is that the case where Simon is raising hell and trying to disqualify you? Patrick Briney: Not exactly ... Simon is trying to disqualify me in that civil case pending before you. Remember, you denied his motion without a hearing? Judge Rubin: Oh yeah ... State v. Cavazos is the one where Block is causing trouble. Patrick Briney: That's right. Wouldn't it be nice if Simon and Block would just do like most others and let us do what we please? Judge Rubin: Are you kidding? Simon is Minos' son and Block used to work for Minos. Patrick Briney: I guess it's true what they say ... the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree ... Heaven help us. Judge Rubin: Well, if we are going to talk about State v. Cavazos I'll have to get my official black judicial robe out of my Mercedes and put it on ... hold on a minute. (pause) Judge Rubin: Ok ... let's talk. Patrick Briney: Shouldn't we also get Tommy on the phone since he was primarily responsible for establishing the misdemeanor department and in hiring me and my firm? Judge Everett: Perhaps. Judge Rubin: Yeah. Patrick Briney: Good thing I also have his private cell phone number, I'll bet he's fishing or hunting with my partner. My how those two love to hunt and fish. Judge Rubin: Almost as much as I love to play tennis, ha ... ha ... ha. (pause) Judge Duplantier: Hello? Patrick Briney: Tommy, Pat here, I've got Glen and Ed on the phone ... what are you doing my good friend? Judge Duplantier: Trying to teach your partner how to fish ... might I add he's not learning very well. Patrick Briney: Hell, he never works because he's either fishing or hunting, he should be a pro by now. Judge Rubin: Where are you two fishing? Judge Duplantier: In the Gulf, I'm surprised that you were able to reach me. Judge Everett: Pat said you would be fishing . . . he knows you pretty well. Judge Duplantier: Almost as well as his partner I'd expect. So what's up? Judge Everett: Pat was calling to talk about State v. Cavazos. Patrick Briney: Did you happen to bring your robe fishing with you Tommy? Judge Duplantier: No, I left it hanging in my office when I left Wednesday to come fishing. Patrick Briney: Well, since I've taken the position with Simon that I only [represent] you all in an official capacity it's probably best that we not talk without you wearing your robe, after all, when I testified, I took an oath. Judge Rubin: Ok then, I guess I can get back to my tennis game? Foret (Briney's partner): I've got a big one ... get the gaff Tommy! Judge Duplantier: Gotta go guys ... Charlie has finally caught a fish. Patrick Briney: Ok. Tell you what ... how about we all get together at Ruth Chris' Steakhouse Sunday night ... I'll reserve a private room. My treat! You all bring your robes ... we'll eat dinner and then discuss what we will do next in State v. Cavazos. Judge Everett: See you all then. Bye bye. Judge Rubin: Can I bring Chanda? Patrick Briney: Certainly, I want an autograph. Judge Rubin: You got it ... see you Sunday. Judge Duplantier: Adios. JOHNSON, J., dissents and would impose a longer period of actual suspension. CALOGERO, C.J., concurs in part & dissents in part, and assigns reasons. WEIMER, J., concurs in part & dissents in part & assigns reasons.