ORDER
¶2Considering the Petition for Interim Suspension for Threat of Harm filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel,
¶3IT IS ORDERED that respondent, Richard C. Bates, Louisiana. Bar Roll number 19476, be and he hereby is suspended from the practice of law on an interim basis pursuant to Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 19.2, pending further orders of this court.
¶4IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Office of Disciplinary Counsel may seek the appointment of a trustee(s) to protect the interests of respondent's clients pursuant to the provisions of Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 27, if appropriate.
¶5Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 26(E), this order is effective immediately.
/s/ Chet D. Traylor Justice, Supreme Court of Louisiana