San Diego State Bar Defense Attorney
Even lawyers may need legal help at some point in their lives, particularly if they are being investigated for misconduct or some sort of legal malpractice. If you end up losing your license to practice law, the consequences to your career could be disastrous. Even if you could get your license back, the damage to your professional reputation may already be irreparable. If you are in danger of losing your license, contact a San Diego state bar defense lawyer as soon as you can.
The legal team at Century Law Group, LLP, can provide you with the resources you need to protect your professional license and move forward with minimal damage to your reputation. A San Diego state bar defense attorney understands what may be at stake for you, and they can help ensure you have the opportunity to defend yourself in a state bar defense case. There are many common mistakes that can lead to a legal malpractice case. A good defense lawyer can help prevent you from making them.
Why Should You Hire a State Bar Defense Lawyer?
The potential fallout you could face from losing your law license may be devastating. Throughout the investigation, you will want someone by your side who knows what is at risk for you and can provide you with the right kind of help. The legal team at Century Law Group, LLP, has a combined legal experience of over 100 years in business and real estate law. We’ve resolved over 5,000 legal situations and helped our clients recover over $10 million.
According to statistical information collected by the State Bar of California, there are currently over 266,000 licensed attorneys practicing throughout California. Over 190,000 of those licenses are active. The threat of losing your law license can be a substantial strain on your mental health. You may want to consider reaching out to a local support group for lawyers, such as the State Bar’s Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP). Talking to someone about your case can be helpful.
Potential State Bar Violations
The State Bar of California handles various complaints made against licensed attorneys through its Office of Chief Trial Counsel. An investigation will be made, and the complaint will be thoroughly looked into. If charges are warranted, prosecutors will bring their findings before a judge. If it is deemed that you have violated certain rules of professional conduct, disciplinary action or dismissal will be considered. Here are some potential state bar violations:
- Incompetence. If a client feels that you failed to provide legal services with the skill and diligence that they expected, they may lodge a complaint against you to the State Bar. Incompetence can take many forms, including missing vital filing deadlines, improperly investigating a case, or simply failing to provide a client with the legal advice they need.
- Lack of communication. Lawyers must be effective communicators. If you fail to keep your clients informed of their case’s progress, fail to respond to their inquiries, or fail to return their phone calls or emails in a prompt manner, you may end up being investigated by the State Bar for your lack of communication.
- Conflict of interest. It is considered legal misconduct to engage in a conflict of interest as a licensed attorney. If you take on a client whose case clashes with another client of yours or even a former client, that means that your ability to represent the new client has been compromised. The same could be said if your own interests, such as your financial interests, are clashing with your own client’s interests.
- Misrepresentation. Lawyers in California are expected to conduct themselves honorably and honestly. If you engage in false statements, fabricating or withholding evidence, or engaging in other dishonest behaviors, you could end up being investigated for misrepresentation.
FAQs
Q: Why Should a Lawyer Need Legal Representation?
A: There are many different situations where a lawyer would need to hire their own legal counsel. The law is a complex animal with many different facets. Even lawyers need someone to ensure their rights are protected. A lawyer may need to hire their own lawyer when they are facing an investigation by the State Bar for misconduct, and their law license is on the line.
Q: Can I Respond to an Ethics Complaint Without Another Lawyer’s Help?
A: You can respond to an ethics complaint without another lawyer’s help, but it isn’t recommended. By hiring another lawyer to represent your interests in your case, you can get outside, impartial advice about how to proceed with caution. It may not be a good idea to respond to the complaint directly. It may make you appear adversarial. You don’t want to make any costly mistakes.
Q: If I Lose My Law License in California, Can I Ever Get It Back?
A: It may be possible for you to get your law license back in San diego, California, though it depends largely on the circumstances of the initial loss and the type of loss you suffered. For example, if you end up disbarred, which is the most severe disciplinary action a lawyer can face, that may not be permanent in California. You may be eligible for reinstatement after five years. You will have to demonstrate your fitness to practice law.
Q: How Much Will a State Bar Defense Lawyer Cost?
A: There is no way to tell how much a state bar defense lawyer may cost you. Every state bar defense case is different, with every case having its own contributing factors that make each case unique for everyone involved. These factors will contribute to the amount that your lawyer will charge to represent you. Some of the factors include the severity of your offense, the amount of evidence against you, and your lawyer’s own experience handling cases like yours.
San Diego State Bar Defense Lawyer
Facing a legal situation where your law license is on the line can be overwhelming. You may want to consider reaching out for additional legal help, as this may be something you don’t want to risk handling on your own. The legal team at Century Law Group, LLP, can help you build up your defense. Contact us to speak to a team member about your case.
