State Bar & Bar Associations,
Law Practice,
California Supreme Court
Jul. 30, 2021
Certain bar disciplinary fees can be discharged by bankrupt attorneys
“I don’t know if that helps you get reinstated as an attorney but a lot of times Chapter 7 debtors are in a lot of debt and clearing the debt, even if it means the State Bar obligation remains, is not a bad thing,” said bankruptcy attorney David M. Goodrich of Weiland Golden Goodrich LLP in Costa Mesa.
The California Supreme Court issued an order this week clarifying that certain fees incurred by an attorney facing State Bar discipline can be discharged in bankruptcy, allowing the lawyer to be reinstated despite not paying the debt.
This order, issued at the request of the bar, could presumably apply to any mandatory payment conditions that result from the disciplinary proceedings against suspended attorney Thomas V. Girardi.
...For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$795 for an entire year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In