Trusted Riverside State Bar Defense Attorney
An accusation before the State Bar of California threatens an attorney’s ability to practice law. Especially when allegations escalate to a formal hearing, a Riverside State Bar defense lawyer can help protect your law license. A Riverside professional license defense lawyer can represent you when responding to complaints and during investigations, and help navigate discipline charges or allegations of misconduct against your law license.
State Bar defense proceedings follow distinct rules and procedures, so a Riverside State Bar defense attorney can explain how they apply to your case and help you prepare an effective response.
California Professional License Counsel
Century Law Group, LLP, serves clients throughout California and provides legal advice regarding licensing issues, businesses, real estate transactions, and other complex legal matters. As a boutique law firm, we take pride in representing only a small number of clients so we can focus on you and your needs. We tailor our representation to each client’s individual circumstances and professional goals.
Edward Lear, the founding partner of Century Law Group, LLP, is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates®. This elite organization only admits experienced trial lawyers who maintain the highest standards of professionalism. Our firm believes in efficient and practical representation based on the unique legal matters of each client.
How California State Bar Complaints Begin
The State Bar looks into claims of unethical behavior by California attorneys. Many individuals can file a complaint, including other lawyers, clients, and opposing counsel. Disagreements over legal fees are one common reason a client takes that step. The State Bar even reviews third-party complaints, which it sometimes receives anonymously.
Simply filing a complaint doesn’t mean that an attorney necessarily violated professional rules or automatically receives discipline. The State Bar reviews allegations to see if they could constitute an ethical violation. When appropriate, the agency can open a formal investigation.
California State Bar Investigations
During an investigation, the State Bar may review documents, interview witnesses, issue subpoenas, and request your response to the allegations. Each step is part of the attorney misconduct claims process the agency follows. If the review does not support a serious violation of professional conduct rules, the agency may dismiss the case or offer an alternative resolution. The prosecutors may file disciplinary charges if they believe the evidence supports discipline.
To handle these accusations, the California Supreme Court created a separate State Bar Court. In the course of these proceedings, both parties have the opportunity to examine evidence, participate in hearings, and present their arguments.
According to the State Bar of California’s 2025 Annual Discipline Report, the Office of Chief Trial Counsel initiated a record 21,205 cases in fiscal year 2025, up 17% from the previous year. In the same time frame, 154 lawyers were disciplined, including 69 disbarments. The average processing time for cases submitted in State Bar Court increased from 517 days in 2020 to 757 days in 2025.
Conduct That Leads to State Bar Discipline
A State Bar defense case may involve acts that occurred during an attorney-client relationship or outside the scope of traditional legal representation. These are the situations where attorneys lose their licenses in California most often. Some common examples of alleged misconduct include:
- Misappropriation of funds
- Failing to communicate with clients
- Making false statements, either to the client or the court
- Breaching attorney-client privilege
- Conviction of a crime
- Fraud
- Professional dishonesty
- Refusing to obey court orders
Under California Business and Professions Code § 6106, attorneys can face disbarment or suspension for engaging in dishonest conduct characterized by moral turpitude, fraud, or corruption. The statute applies even if the attorney was not acting in a professional capacity at the time.
Hire a State Bar Defense Lawyer
When you hire a state bar defense lawyer, you can receive comprehensive legal assistance with issues that you may face at disciplinary hearings. An attorney can review the client’s complaint and identify the rules of professional conduct at hand. Representing attorneys in State Bar Court requires meticulous review of the evidence. Your lawyer should understand state bar defense laws and help you understand how they apply to your case.
State Bar hearings take place in State Bar Court. The Riverside County Superior Court is not involved unless there is a related civil claim or criminal case. If you do need to go to court, the Riverside Historic Courthouse is located at 4050 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501. Check with your attorney for specific details.
FAQs
Can an Attorney Practice Law in Another State After Being Disbarred in California?
An attorney generally cannot practice law in another state after being disbarred in California. Lawyers who practice in multiple jurisdictions must abide by the licensing rules in each jurisdiction where they practice. Attorneys are required to notify other licensing agencies of certain types of discipline.
A disbarment in California can cause another state where the attorney is licensed to initiate reciprocal disciplinary proceedings. Other states may then elect to suspend or disbar an attorney.
Can an Attorney Be Disciplined for Conduct Outside of Work?
Yes, an attorney can be disciplined for conduct outside of work. While many events that occur outside of an attorney’s legal practice do not have any impact on their law license, an attorney can still face discipline from the State Bar for various types of off-duty conduct. For instance, if an attorney commits an unrelated crime, especially a serious one, while off duty, it can still result in professional disciplinary action.
Does an Attorney Have to Report a Criminal Charge to the State Bar?
An attorney may have to report a criminal charge to the state bar. California lawyers are required to self-report certain matters, but the requirements depend on the nature of the event. The law outlines certain situations that must be disclosed, which include various criminal charges, convictions, penalties, and judgments.
Since the deadlines and requirements for reporting these events to the State Bar vary, consult with a professional license defense attorney to determine if your actions need to be reported.
Can a California Attorney Be Disciplined for Social Media Activity?
Yes, a California attorney can be disciplined for social media activity. Just as in real life, attorneys have professional and legal responsibilities when they use social media. Social media posts that reveal confidential information about current or former clients or otherwise break professional conduct rules can cause discipline. Remarks made, even on social media, can be scrutinized and penalized.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you have been accused of some form of unethical or criminal conduct that places your professional license at risk, Century Law Group, LLP, can help you with your defense. Contact us today for your free consultation.
