Does this sound familiar?
You have brilliant ideas and lofty goals for your law firm but find yourself wondering, “Am I missing something?”
Together, we can address the legal, ethical and other risk management issues that arise as your firm grows.
About the Firm
State Bar Defense, Ethics & General Counsel for California Lawyers and Law Firms
Regina E. Horton is a California licensed attorney with two decades of broad-based legal experience ranging from litigation to transactional work and a bit of everything in between. Her current practice focuses on helping lawyers and law firm owners identify, understand and navigate the various business, ethical and legal issues that arise in the practice of law.
Let’s work together
State Bar Discipline Defense
The State Bar’s discipline process is a mystery to most attorneys, including those being investigated or subjected to discipline. The investigation stage is the best opportunity to resolve a matter. Once you receive an investigation letter, it’s important to take it seriously and respond timely. Once charges are filed, it usually leads to some form of discipline.
State Bar research shows that attorneys who are not represented during the discipline process are at greater risk for disbarment or suspension compared to attorneys who are represented. You’ve invested a tremendous amount of time, energy and money into getting your license. Don’t put it at risk. If you receive an investigation letter or inquiry from the State Bar, take the advice you’d give to your own clients in a similar situation—consult with counsel.
Admissions
Applicants to the State Bar bear the burden of establishing good moral character. Certain events from the past can be a hurdle to admission but a less than squeaky clean background isn’t the only issue. Failing to respond to a question because you misinterpret it and think it doesn’t apply to you or giving inconsistent responses in the application are red flags that may push the State Bar to look closer at your application.
Your goal before hitting “send” is to have an application that is candid and complete. Hiring legal counsel to review your application can help you avoid common mistakes and help you disclose unflattering details in a favorable but truthful light. If the State Bar seeks additional information, counsel can help you concisely address the request. Don’t let this last hurdle to licensure trip you up—consult with counsel.
Ethics & General Counsel
The business of law is a business. Not only do you need to find and retain clients while staying on top of your ethical obligations but, depending on the size of your firm, you may need to manage employees, vendors, navigate partnership relationships and all the other things that go along with running a business. You don’t need to do alone, however. Outside counsel can offer the support you need to address legal, ethical or risk management issues that arise in your practice so you have more time and space to focus on those lofty goals for your firm.
Ready to get started?
The first step is to schedule a consultation.