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...
What attorneys should understand about avoiding conflict claims
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...