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State Bar retains counsel to defend suit by former executive director

Contact: Laura Ernde

415-538-2283

barcomm@calbar.ca.gov

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 6, 2016 — The State Bar of California today announces that it has hired prominent trial firm Hueston Hennigan LLP to represent it in the suit filed by its former Executive Director Joseph Dunn.  

Upon the State Bar’s motion, the Los Angeles County Superior Court appointed retired United States Magistrate Judge Edward A. Infante to preside over arbitration proceedings in Dunn v. State Bar of California, brought by Dunn after he was terminated. The arbitration is expected to commence shortly although no hearing date has yet been set. 

State Bar President David Pasternak stated: 

"We have the utmost confidence that Hueston Hennigan LLP will help to quickly put this distraction behind us and will end the resource expenditure that Mr. Dunn has caused the State Bar with his lawsuit for personal gain, enabling the bar to direct all of its attention to the important public protection work that is currently underway."

The retention of Hueston Hennigan, a firm noted for outstanding trial skills and extensive experience representing public and quasi-public entities in high-stakes litigation, demonstrates the State Bar’s determination to vigorously combat Dunn’s allegations, said Vanessa L. Holton, State Bar General Counsel.

The Hueston Hennigan legal team is led by partners John Hueston and Moez Kaba. 

“The State Bar of California is the state’s most prominent legal institution, and its integrity has been unfairly impugned,” said Hueston, adding, “We will vigorously defend it against these meritless accusations.”

In addition to representing Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and private entities, Hueston and Kaba currently represent the Navajo Nation in matters concerning contamination of its lands and waters. Hueston, a nationally renowned trial attorney, is a former lead prosecutor for the Enron trial of Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling.