Attornies who violate the law are often subject to discipline by the State Bar of California. While a single driving under the influence conviction may lead to just a warning, multiple DUI convictions may result in more serious penalties. What happens when a...
Can a referral arrangement get you in trouble with the State Bar?
Many attorneys with a solo practice depend upon word-of-mouth referrals from their clients to gain new clients. In fact, referrals are often much more effective than advertising. As such, you may decide to partner with another solo practitioner that has a different...
Can a dismissed case still affect licensure?
The possibility of having a criminal record expunged or dismissed may exist for you if a single, simple mistake resulted in the record existing in the first place. After all, having a criminal record can, unfortunately, impact your housing, careers and daily needs on...
Factors that impact a positive moral character determination
To practice law in the state of California, in addition to graduating from law school and passing the bar examination, you must also prove that you have the moral character required to practice the law. Apply for a moral character determination as soon as possible...
Should you worry about charges of incompetence?
Like many law students, you put a lot of time and effort into educating yourself so you can receive your law degree, so you may feel you can handle anything. But what if you take a case only to find that you lack the skills or knowledge to handle it properly? You may...
CA attorneys and ethics violations: What is the process?
It is not uncommon for a client to get upset about the outcome of their case. But what happens if they decide to take that frustration and target your profession? What if they make accusations that the reason their case failed was because of your misconduct? What if...
Why does the State Bar revoke licenses?
As an attorney, you work tirelessly to gain your license to practice. It takes years of schooling and can cost a pretty penny even with financial support, but the reward for many is worth this difficult journey. However, allegations of misconduct as an attorney has...
The penalties for practicing law without a license
If you have concerns about losing your State Bar license, it is important to understand the challenges that could arise. Aside from the inability to practice, you could face financial hardships and battle with negative emotions such as anxiety and even depression. It...
Facing disciplinary actions for unintentional ethics violations
Attorneys have an extremely complex job, with many different rules and regulations to keep in mind and comply with at all times. It’s an unfortunate truth that even the most careful and capable attorney may sometimes unintentionally violate a rule and may come under...
Are black attorneys more likely to get disbarred in California?
One year ago, civil rights protests began to dominate the news cycle. The occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on how we address race and whether we have made any progress. This question is one that can be asked in many different areas of our society, including...
