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...
Common moral character issues that raise problems with the Bar
The moral character standards for the California State Bar apply to every licensed attorney and potential applicant. No matter where you are in your law career, you should understand the common moral character challenges. The more you know, the easier it is to defend...
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,...
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...
How does a client’s perjury affect your license to practice?
As an attorney, you must follow a strict code of ethical and professional behavior. The American Bar Association has conduct expectations and violations of those expectations can lead to punishment by the Bar Association and the potential loss of your license to...
What are a lawyer’s duties to his or her clients?
When clients retain your legal services, they have certain expectations about the quality of the work you will provide. Although you may not be able to guarantee certain case outcomes, you may commit to providing a certain level of diligence and thoroughness on every...
Does student loan debt impact your bar admission?
The California State Bar admission has standards it holds its members to. One factor they consider is your debt, especially those you may have paid late. If you have become delinquent in paying student loans, you may wonder if it will keep you from gaining your bar...
What are demonstrations of good character?
The bar exam has a section involving the applicant's fitness and character. If you have a criminal record, then you may worry that this will potentially impact your exam results and perhaps even get in your way of receiving your license. The bar association uses this...
Can debt or bankruptcy affect moral character determinations?
Before the State Bar of California allows you to practice law, it assesses your character to determine whether it considers you to be someone of “good moral character.” There are many different actions or convictions that may call your character into question. If you...
Can substance abuse get you in trouble with the state bar?
Finding out you are the subject of an investigation by the State Bar of California may have you feeling anxious and uneasy and with good reason. The state bar has the ability to prevent you from practicing law if it feels you have behaved in a manner that calls your...