Especially for an attorney in a narrow discipline, it is common for clients to know each other or at least cross paths. The strict rules of conduct for lawyers set standards for behavior, client representation and actions. Any violation of those conduct standards can...
Can you practice law in California after a DUI?
To best serve their clients and communities, attorneys must have strong ethics and a commitment to the law. Therefore, one or more DUI convictions can cause difficulties for your career if you are a lawyer in California. Understanding the consequences for lawyers with...
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...
Why you might have trouble with admittance to the Bar
Passing the Bar exam and gaining admittance to the State Bar are not the same thing. A State Bar can choose not to admit you even after you pass the exam. To gain admittance to the State Bar of California, you must also go through a background check and pass a moral...
Understanding common conflicts of interest
A conflict of interest can interfere with an attorney’s ability to provide sound, reasonable and ethical representation to a client. This is a violation of the Code of Ethics and can lead to a disciplinary hearing with the Bar Association. Discipline for violations...
What are you required to report to the Bar?
Lawyers in California must abide by rules of professional conduct and report certain events related to those rules to the State Bar. If a lawyer does not report within 30 days of the event, they are subject to disciplinary action and put their license at risk. Here...
Why use a disciplinary board defense attorney?
When you hold a professional license, that license is your livelihood. You cannot afford to have your license in question because it not only discourages clients but can also stop you from doing business. Disciplinary boards have their own criteria for judging whether...
What makes a professional lose their moral compass?
Discussions surrounding ethics and moral character are a big deal for those looking to operate a well-respected professional practice. For some, the internal desire to adhere to a strong moral compass is enough to keep behaviors in check and avoid potential ethical...
Avoiding ethics violations when practicing law
Most people go into the legal profession to do the right thing and help others receive justice in a court of law. However, even people with the best intentions can get caught up in something that could put their professional license and career at risk. Here are some...
When addiction threatens your law license
Becoming a Bar-certified attorney in California is a huge accomplishment that leads to a highly rewarding, yet highly demanding legal career. Lawyers and judges are prone to extreme mental stress that can exacerbate alcohol and substance use, yet many legal...