Legal professionals in California must conform to high standards of conduct to ensure fairness in the legal system. When a legal professional stands accused of violating these standards, they may face disciplinary action. Disciplinary action entails a series of steps...
The role of the OCTC in processing complaints against lawyers
California is the only state with a State Bar Court to try cases of lawyer misconduct. The prosecutor in these cases is the Chief Trial Counsel, whose office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting these types of complaints. For lawyers whose reputations and...
3 ways burnout can lead to misconduct
In the fast-paced world of legal practice, burnout can be a force that not only impacts an individual's well-being but also poses significant risks for professional misconduct leading to discipline by the Bar. In the state of California, lawyers must navigate a...
Defensible reasons for breaking privilege
Attorney-client privilege is a cornerstone of the legal profession. It protects the confidentiality of communications between attorneys and their clients. Violating privilege can leave an attorney facing an ethics committee and fighting for their license. However,...
4 signs of being at risk of violating client boundaries
Legal professionals have a key role in upholding the law and ensuring justice. However, it is important to be aware of potential boundary violations when interacting with clients. There are several signs of being at risk of crossing ethical boundaries. 1. Breach of...
What help do you have in an attorney disciplinary case?
The State Bar handles attorney disciplinary cases. Here, investigators check out complaints filed against attorneys. If these complaints prove valid, prosecutors will take the case to a judge to make disciplinary decisions. In cases where an attorney commits crimes,...
Can working remotely violate your state licensing?
The remote practice of law is more common in the aftermath of COVID-19. Although working remotely and conducting appointments virtually is convenient, there is a problem for lawyers who choose to work in jurisdictions where they do not have bar admittance. The concern...
What might cause an attorney to lose their license?
In order to practice law in California, attorneys need to have a state license. Attorneys go to school for a long time and work hard to obtain their licenses and move ahead in their fields, so it can be devastating personally and professionally when someone loses...
What to do if you receive a letter of investigation against you
If you want to practice law in California, you need to become a member of the California state bar. This organization governs legal practice and compliance with state regulations. Bar associations investigate attorneys when they violate ethical and standards of...
What things can I do to show rehabilitation to the BAR?
Attorneys who have received disciplinary actions due to misconduct often need to show rehabilitation to restore their status with their state Bars or boards of examiners. However, the lack of present misconduct is not enough to prove rehabilitation. It may shock you...