Frequently Asked Questions: Complaints & Claims

What are the different levels of discipline that the State Bar Court imposes on attorneys? What kinds of violations typically result in disbarment and other levels of discipline? How does the State Bar handle attorney misconduct? Are State Bar investigations into attorney misconduct public or confidential? After a complaint has been filed, how long does it take for disciplinary charges? What happens to an attorney after charges are filed against them in State Bar Court? What does the State Bar do when a California attorney is convicted of a crime? What is the Client Security Fund and how does it work? What is the Limited Liability Partnership program? Is it permissible if one of the LLP's partners is also a shareholder in a law corporation and/or already a partner in another LLP? We are dissolving our LLP, how do we terminate our Certificate of Registration with the State Bar? What is the Lawyer Assistance Program? What guarantees do I have that my participation in the LAP will be kept confidential? What is expected of the attorney while in the Lawyer Assistance Program? Are the LAP and the ADP the same? What happens if I don’t stay in the program for three years? How are LAP group meetings different from self-help group meetings like The Other Bar, and why do I need to participate in both? Why are attorneys with substance abuse issues and mental health issues combined in the same group meetings? What help is available to the spouse and other family members? How can I obtain additional information about the Lawyer Assistance Program?