News Releases

State Bar accepts State Auditor's findings

Contact: Laura Ernde

415-538-2283

barcomm@calbar.ca.gov

SAN FRANCISCO, June 18, 2015 – An independent examination by the California State Auditor today confirmed the integrity of the State Bar of California’s discipline case data. The audit also identified a number of areas for improvement to the discipline system and the bar’s reporting on discipline and financial matters, all of which the State Bar is addressing or will address.

The State Auditor conducts an assessment of the State Bar every other year under state law. The 2015 audit focused on the attorney discipline system and the State Bar’s finances. The State Bar has formally accepted the findings and agreed to address each of the audit’s recommendations.

“We embrace the recommendations, many of which we began addressing late last year, before the audit began,” State Bar President Craig Holden said. “We appreciate the assistance of an independent expert in this effort.”

Among its recent initiatives, the board has launched a strategic planning process and increased board oversight and transparency over the bar’s finances. The board has scheduled a special meeting June 22 to focus further on appropriate responsive measures.

Going back to 2009, the auditors found that the underlying discipline system data was reliable, dispelling accusations that the data was falsified. Chief Trial Counsel Jayne Kim concurred with the report’s conclusion that the State Bar focused too many resources on reducing the backlog at the expense of the overall quality performance of the discipline system in 2011 and said she changed these policies in 2012.

“The audit report identifies several areas for the State Bar to focus upon in advancing the discipline system: staffing levels, work force planning, internal audits, quality control, and continuing to improve our reporting methodologies and capabilities, all of which have been works in progress during my tenure,” Kim said.

The audit report highlights a need for greater transparency and consistency in the State Bar’s reporting to stakeholders, including its own Board of Trustees, over the last four years.

The audit additionally finds that the Board and the Legislature were not fully informed about the financing for the acquisition of the State Bar’s new Los Angeles office in 2012, which was overseen by the former executive director.

Holden said the audit provides good feedback for the new executive director soon to be hired by the board.

Acting Executive Director Robert Hawley stated: “The LA building is a great acquisition for the agency, its employees and State Bar members. What we have learned from the audit about the lack of transparency as the deal progressed, is another issue. That is being addressed.”