California State Bar Defense Attorneys
It is possible for attorneys to need legal representation in California. The most common way for this to occur is for an attorney to be charged with professional misconduct or legal malpractice of some kind. If you have been charged with any such offense and your legal license is at risk, you need to consult an experienced California State Bar defense lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your defensive options in this difficult situation.
At Century Law Group our attorneys provide representation for attorneys during disciplinary processes including State Bar defense, admissions and reinstatement proceedings. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our team of legal experts understands the nuances of legal ethics and State Bar discipline and is committed to the successful license defense of our clients.
Legal Ethics And State Bar Defense In California
At Century Law Group we are attorneys that represent fellow attorneys in cases of legal ethics issues and State Bar defense. We also provide expert witness testimony and assist lawyers with their admission to or reinstatement to the California State Bar.
While some attorneys believe that they understand legal ethics and State Bar defense well enough to handle their own cases, it is always advantageous to retain an experienced legal ethics attorney who can give you more options and who will improve your chances of success, particularly in attorney discipline proceedings.
We represent attorneys during all phases of the disciplinary process, including State Bar defense in disciplinary actions, and admissions and reinstatement proceedings. In addition to these services, Century Law Group also serves as a resource for attorneys who need consultations regarding ethical issues that arise in their everyday practices. Contact Century Law Group (866) 522-2642.
Dissatisfied clients, malicious adversaries and other attorneys and judges file thousands of ethics complaints each year with the California State Bar. Some of these complaints will be subject to further investigation to determine if formal disciplinary charges should be filed. In order to avoid possible prosecution, however, it is advisable to provide a timely response to any complaint letter.
Responding To Ethics Complaints
While most ethics complaints are found to be without merit, retention of counsel is imperative and should be done as soon as a complaint is made known to an attorney. A well-crafted response is usually enough to end a formal investigation in its early stages. Unfortunately, missteps, such as disclosing unnecessary information or attacking the complainant, can result in innocent attorneys facing further investigation along with its unwanted consequences.
Although attorneys are technically capable of representing themselves in cases of ethics defense in front of the State Bar, this is certainly not advisable. While there are many good reasons for hiring counsel for your State Bar defense, counsel skilled in the nuances of handling State Bar disciplinary proceedings can be the difference between a reproval, suspension or disbarment.
Practical Advice And Experienced Representation
Century Law Group is committed to helping every attorney find answers to their questions and successful resolutions to their problems. We help clients in the following areas:
- Legal Ethics and Practice Management. Ethics are a crucial concern for every attorney practicing in California, and many attorneys manage their own practices. Century Law Group can help you understand your ethical obligations as a new attorney or if you simply want a review of your current practice’s management to better tune your operations.
- State Bar Defense. When you have been accused of professional misconduct of any kind and your State Bar license is at stake, our firm can provide responsive and comprehensive defense on your behalf. Having an experienced team of attorneys assist with your defense can greatly increase the chances of retaining your license and overcoming this difficult situation as efficiently as possible.
- Expert Witness Testimony. Our firm has the experience necessary to provide expert witness testimony in a wide range of cases. Whether you need input from an expert witness on behalf of a client you are currently representing, or on your behalf in a State Bar defense case, we can help.
- Fee Disputes. Attorneys have the right to charge fair rates for their services, and most people seeking legal counsel in California are aware of the potentially high cost of hiring legal representation. However, if a client disputes a fee or if you are accused of any type of unfair or fraudulent billing practice, you need a defense attorney who can help you resolve the situation.
- Alternative Discipline Program. The California State Bar maintains the Alternative Discipline Program to assist attorneys struggling with substance abuse disorders and mental health conditions that interfere with their ability to do their jobs. If you struggle with any such issue and face formal disciplinary proceedings from the State Bar, we can help you build a compelling case that may assist you in getting the help you need.
- State Bar Admission. Admission to the California State Bar is a complex and demanding process. We can provide valuable guidance and support through the admissions process, helping you complete all required forms and gather the documentation necessary to complete your application for admission.
- State Bar Reinstatement. If you are seeking reinstatement through the California State Bar, you will need to file a petition for reinstatement and prepare for a strict series of proceedings in order for the State Bar to determine your eligibility. Our team can help you with this, gathering all materials needed for your petition and preparing you for each step of the process.
- Legal Malpractice. If you are accused of any type of legal malpractice, the outcome of this case has the potential to impact your career and your life in various ways. Century Law Group can provide the defense counsel you need in this situation, helping you to defend yourself and avoid the worst penalties you might face.
- Conflicts of Interest and Disqualifications. Attorneys are required to avoid conflicts of interest at all times, and it can be difficult for an attorney to assess whether a particular situation qualifies as a conflict of interest. Our team can help you mitigate conflicts of interest and resolve issues pertaining to disqualification.
- Moral Character Determinations and Consultations. A California State Bar inquiry or an application to the State Bar may require an attorney to secure testimony from other parties concerning their moral character. We can help you secure statements that support your character and provide consultations to law students seeking admission into the California State Bar.
Century Law Group offers reasonable fees and costs and efficient service that will not waste your time or money. Our Firm’s experience and legal background helps us to understand and anticipate potential problems. In negotiation and litigation, we help attorneys solve the ethical issues that arise in their everyday practices.
FAQs
Q: Why Would an Attorney Need to Hire Legal Counsel?
A: An attorney would need to hire legal counsel when they have been accused of professional misconduct or legal malpractice and their State Bar license is at risk. While it is technically possible for an individual to represent themselves in legal proceedings, and an attorney may seem perfectly suited to do so, this is not the case, and even an experienced attorney will need legal counsel focused on defending them against losing their California State Bar license.
Q: Why Should I Hire a California State Bar Defense Lawyer?
A: You should hire a California State Bar defense lawyer because you need focused legal counsel in this type of case. While experience, in general, is an important factor to consider when you are looking for any kind of attorney, it is especially crucial if you are a legal professional yourself and face the potential loss of your legal license. A dedicated legal representative can provide invaluable support through all of the proceedings ahead of you.
Q: Can I Respond to an Ethics Complaint on My Own?
A: It is technically possible for you to respond to an ethics complaint on your own, and an articulate and concise response may be sufficient to end the inquiry. However, having an experienced California State Bar defense lawyer representing you adds weight to your response. Additionally, oversight from an experienced attorney can help you avoid common mistakes with these responses, such as unintentionally disclosing more information than is required.
Q: When Do I Need a California State Bar Defense Lawyer?
A: You need a California State Bar defense lawyer as soon as you become aware of any type of investigation or inquiry that could indicate potential disciplinary action from the State Bar. Do not respond to any requests for information or sign any documents until you can consult with an experienced California State Bar defense lawyer who has proven experience resolving these cases.
Q: What Does it Cost to Hire a California State Bar Defense Lawyer?
A: The cost to hire a California State Bar defense lawyer will likely depend on the details of your case. More complex cases take longer to resolve, and the majority of professional license defense attorneys in California bill for their services by the hour. The more time your attorney spends working on your case, the more it costs in legal fees. Your California State Bar defense lawyer should carefully explain their billing policy at the outset of your case so you know what to expect.
Contact California State Bar Defense Lawyers Today
When you have questions regarding State Bar and lawyer discipline in California, contact us at Century Law Group LLP where we provide counsel and representation in legal ethics, State Bar defense and expert witness testimony. Call us toll free at 866-522-2642 for more in-depth information on our state bar defense practice.
