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The State Bar of California names new Chief Court Counsel to administer State Bar Court

The State Bar of California has named a new Chief Court Counsel to lead the State Bar Court of California.

The State Bar named Deputy Chief Trial Counsel Gregory Dresser to fill the independent court's management and legal counselor position. Dresser previously served as Interim Chief Trial Counsel for 13 months and as Assistant Chief Trial Counsel. Prior to joining the State Bar, he was a litigation partner at Morrison & Foerster. 

"In his tenure at the State Bar, Greg Dresser has proven to be an invaluable asset to the functioning of the attorney discipline system. His skills, experience and leadership abilities will be a significant benefit to the State Bar Court," said Leah Wilson, Executive Director of the State Bar of California.

"Mr. Dresser brings an exceptional level of experience and skill to this important position. He has been a partner at a major law firm and, most recently, has served in management positions in the State Bar's Office of Chief Trial Counsel. The State Bar Court applauds his appointment and looks forward to working with him," said Judge Catherine D. Purcell, Presiding Judge of the State Bar Court of California.

"I'm honored to join the State Bar Court as Chief Court Counsel and Administrator. The independent State Bar Court plays a critical role in public protection, and in the fair and timely resolution of attorney discipline cases," said Dresser.

Dresser replaces long-time Chief Court Counsel Colin Wong, who retired in September. Dresser will begin in the new role on Oct. 23.

About the State Bar Court's Chief Court Counsel

The Chief Court Counsel serves as both the executive administrator responsible for State Bar Court operations and the senior legal adviser to the judges and staff counsel of the State Bar Court on matters pertaining to court proceedings.

The Chief Court Counsel oversees planning, organizing and directing the administration of the State Bar Court. The position will also lead the legal staff and substantive legal work of the State Bar Court and provides legal advice and counsel to the judges of the State Bar Court in fulfilling their adjudicative responsibilities.

About the State Bar Court 

California is the only state in the nation with independent professional judges dedicated to ruling on attorney discipline cases.

The State Bar of California investigates complaints of attorney misconduct. If the State Bar determines that an attorney's actions involve probable misconduct, formal charges are filed with the State Bar Court by the State Bar's Office of Chief Trial Counsel.

The independent State Bar Court hears the charges and has the power to recommend that the California Supreme Court suspend or disbar attorneys found to have committed acts of professional misconduct or convicted of serious crimes.

www.statebarcourt.ca.gov