Herman Thomas disbarred again

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Former judge Herman Thomas has been disbarred again, for unauthorized practice of law. The decision came down Tuesday in a second disciplinary meeting in as many days.

The Alabama Bar charged Thomas with unauthorized practice of law. It is believed that after he was suspended from using his law license in 2009, he continued practicing law.

Tony McLain with the Alabama Bar Association said Thomas admitted that he was practicing law with a suspended license. McLain said Thomas prepares estate documents and signed letter on law firm legal head.

"He came in this [Tuesday] morning with his lawyer and agreed to plead guilty, basically admit to all charges and that his conduct constituted violation of the rules we had charged him with that he violated. Basically, we just went to the discipline or punishment phase," said McLain.

The disbarrment Tuesday is the second time that Thomas has been disbarred. Monday, the Alabama Bar Association disbarred him for paddling inmates and having inappropriate contact with defendants. The disbarrment will run for five years. Thomas has 42 days to appeal.

Thomas is also licensed to practice law in Florida. The Florida Bar will immediately file a petition for emergency suspension of his Florida license to practice law by the Florida Supreme Court.

It will determine what further disciplinary action may be warranted based on the circumstances of the Alabama disbarment.