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(818) 564-6556

Adamczyk Legal
  • Home
  • PRACTICE AREAS
    • Moral Character
    • State Bar Defense
    • Entertainment Law
    • Transactional Law
  • CLE
  • ABOUT
    • Paige Adamczyk
    • Client Testimonials
  • Contact

state bar defense

Seal of the State of California

California State Bar investigations may arise in multiple ways, from a complaint created by a client or third party, to a conviction referral, to a State Bar-initiated investigation. Receiving notice of a State Bar complaint is incredibly stressful, but it is essential that they are addressed promptly and completely. It can be difficult to know where to start, and working with an experienced ethics attorney can help significantly with that process. If you have received a complaint and would like to consult about your options and next steps, please contact us using the form below. We can help you respond appropriately and will work diligently to help you obtain the best possible outcome for your unique situation.

Ethics Consulting

Often, State Bar complaints can be minimized or even avoided by making sure that you are complying with your ethical obligations and adhering to the standards expected of a member of the California State Bar. If you need general support, whether you are a solo practitioner or a larger firm with multiple attorneys, we are here to help address your questions and concerns so that you can feel confident in the decisions you make. While no one can guarantee that you will not face issues with the State Bar of California, you can do your best to minimize the likelihood of complaints and ensure that you are able to defend your actions if any complaints arise, and we are happy to help with that. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

A State Bar investigation is a formal inquiry into an attorney’s conduct to determine whether they have violated ethical or professional standards. Investigations are conducted by the Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) and can result in a spectrum of disciplinary actions ranging from a warning letter to disbarment.


Investigations can be triggered by various factors, including:

  • Client Complaints: A client or witness files a formal complaint alleging misconduct.
  • Client Trust Account (CTA) Issues: Mismanagement of client funds which may be reported by the client as in the Client Complaints referenced above, or by the attorney's financial institution where the CTA is held.
  • Criminal Convictions: Attorneys have a duty to self-report convictions, and additionally, the criminal court may refer the matter to the State Bar for further investigation. The State Bar reviews attorneys convicted of crimes for potential disciplinary action.
  • State Bar-Initiated Investigations (SBI): The Bar may choose to investigate an attorney on its own initiative, for various reasons including based on anonymous tips, media reports or legal proceedings.
  • Probation Violations: Attorneys on disciplinary probation who fail to comply with their conditions may face further penalties.


Once a complaint is received, the State Bar reviews it to determine whether there is sufficient evidence of misconduct to warrant further investigation. If the State Bar concludes, for whatever reason, that further investigation unnecessary, the matter will be closed and no investigation will ensue. If the complaint has merit, an investigation is opened, and the attorney is notified. In that correspondence, the State Bar will typically advise as to the relevant allegations/issues and request an explanation. The State Bar will also provide a response date, so it is important to attend to State Bar correspondence promptly upon receipt.


The timeline for a State Bar investigation varies depending on the complexity of the case. Some cases are resolved in a few months, while others can take over a year. Providing prompt responses and cooperating fully with the State Bar's investigation may help expedite the process. Conversely, failure to cooperate with the investigation or to provide prompt responses upon request may result in significant delays.


Yes. Ignoring or failing to respond to a State Bar inquiry can result in default discipline, meaning the Bar could take action against your license without your input. If you receive a notice, consult an experienced State Bar defense attorney immediately.


We Can Help!

We specialize in defending attorneys in State Bar investigations. We provide:

  • Comprehensive defense strategies to protect your license
  • Guidance in responding to State Bar inquiries to avoid missteps
  • Representation in hearings and settlement negotiations
  • Support in mitigating potential disciplinary actions



From law students to experienced attorneys, legal professionals must make understanding and honoring their ethical obligations a top priority. Unfortunately, new graduates and sometimes even experienced attorneys may not know where to turn or whom to ask for ethics advice. Let Adamczyk Legal assist you with all stages 

Source: State Bar of California (Ethics)

The good lawyer is not the man who has an eye to every side and angle of contingency, but who throws himself on your part so heartily, that he can get you out of a scrape.


Ralph Waldo Emerson

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