PLEASE NOTE: Publication for public comment is not, and shall not be construed as, a recommendation or approval by the Board of Governors of the materials published.
Proposed Amendments to Rule 9.21 of the California Rules of Court, Resignation of State Bar Members with Disciplinary Charges Pending
Rule 9.21 of the California Rules of Court specifies the requirements when a member submits a resignation while disciplinary charges are pending against the member. Rule 9.21 states requirements up to the point where the California Supreme Court accepts or declines to accept the resignation. Among other things, the member must agree to be transferred to inactive membership status upon the filing of his or her written resignation in the clerk’s office of the State Bar Court. The rule does not currently address the member’s membership status should the Court reject his or her resignation.
This proposal would amend Rule 9.21 to add provisions regarding the membership status of a member whose resignation is not accepted by the Supreme Court. The amendments would 1) make clear that a member whose resignation is rejected will remain on inactive status until further order of the State Bar Court or Supreme Court and 2) provide a procedure for a member to move the State Bar Court to be restored to active membership. Also, consistent with a requirement that the member stipulate as to facts and conclusions of law regarding disciplinary matters pending, the amendments would require a member who resigns with charges pending to waive confidentiality of any disciplinary matter or Client Security Fund matter pending against the member. (Rule 9.21(d)(8); Rules of Proc.of the State Bar, rule 5.427 (b).) The period of public comment is 45days. If approved by the Board of Governors after public comment is received, the proposal will be transmitted to the Supreme Court for consideration and action.
None known.
Attachment 1 - Agenda item dated Dec. 9, 2010
Attachment 2 - Proposed amendments to California Rule of Court 9.21
Board Committee on Regulation, Admissions and Discipline Oversight
Feb. 28, 2011
Jill Sperber Office of the Chief Trial Counsel The State Bar of California 180 Howard Street San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 538-2023 (415) 538-1168 Fax jill.sperber@calbar.ca.gov