The California Supreme Court recently issued two rulings on petitions submitted by the State Bar of California. The first decision involved the denial of the Bar's request for rule changes regarding Moral Character applications, Law Office Study, and Practical Training of Law Students. According to a press release from the California Supreme Court, the denial was based on the State Bar's failure to adequately explain the proposed rule changes and consider the potential ethical implications for students involved in the programs.
In the second decision, the State Bar's petition for amendments to the process of suspending an attorney's license due to failure to pay child support was approved with modifications. The approved amendments now require the State Bar to report a list of delinquent attorneys twice a year instead of once. Additionally, attorneys who pay off their child support debts must now swear under perjury that they did not practice law while their license was suspended. Another requirement stipulates that attorneys must inform their clients and the courts if they are facing suspension.
The California Supreme Court is comprised of six Associate Justices led by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. The Justices are appointed by the state's Governor. Chief Justice Guerrero assumed her role in January 2023. The other Associate Justices on the court include Carol A. Corrigan, Goodwin H. Liu, Leondra R. Kruger, Joshua P. Groban, Martin J. Jenkins, and Kelli Evans.
These recent rulings by the California Supreme Court highlight the court's careful consideration of the State Bar's petitions. While one petition was denied due to a lack of sufficient explanation and consideration of ethical implications, the other was approved with modifications to enhance the reporting and accountability of attorneys who fail to pay child support. The decisions underscore the court's commitment to upholding ethical standards and protecting the interests of both law students and the public.