Practice Areas

 

State Bar Defense

Experience. Insight. Reputation. Results.

A Practice Limited to Licenses and Regulatory Law. This is the Ray & Bishop Difference.

Defending Attorneys

Ray & Bishop attorneys represent attorneys in license applications, investigations, disclosures, denials, disciplinary proceedings, appeals, reinstatements, and related legal matters.  Our strategy is simple: prevent problems, fight for the client if accused, and appeal unfair results.  Our focused, experienced, dedicated license and regulatory practice gives you the advantage.  Contact Ray & Bishop for a prompt, thorough and thoughtful discussion of your legal issue with one of our attorneys.

 

Defending Attorneys in Situations from Simple Mistakes to Complex Disputes

Choosing an experienced, knowledgeable license defense attorney is key to getting the best result from your State Bar of California license matter.  Ray & Bishop attorneys defend attorneys in all disciplinary situations, including:

  • Discipline for criminal convictions.
  • License denial for criminal convictions.
  • Attorney trust account violations.
  • Negligence complaints.
  • Moral turpitude violations.
  • Breach of fiduciary duty.
  • Ethics violations.
  • Failure to complete MCLE.
  • Dishonesty in MCLE reporting.
  • Advance fees for mortgage loan modifications.
  • Failure to cooperate with State Bar investigators.
  • Violation of conditions of existing disciplinary orders.
  • Failure to communicate with a client.
  • Discipline against out-of-state licenses.
  • Discipline against other licenses, such as an insurance or real estate license.

 

Adverse History Disclosures on License Renewal Forms

We also aid State Bar license applicants in the license application process.  Issues that give rise to problems in attorney license applications include criminal convictions or a prior history of discipline with another licensing board or other California licensing agency. Adverse actions such as convictions, the bringing of a felony indictment or information, certain judgments or settlements, sanctions and other license discipline may be subject to mandated reporting to the State Bar.

 

Expertise in all Aspect of License and Regulatory Issues

Ray & Bishop provides legal representation for attorneys in any regulatory agency contact with the potential for an adverse outcome, including:

  • Mandated disclosures
  • Early Neutral Evaluation Conferences
  • State Bar Court Hearing
  • Petition for Reconsideration after an Adverse Decision
  • Appeal after State Bar Hearing
  • Relief from a Default Judgment
  • Petition for Reinstatement of a Lost License

 

Common Questions from Attorneys for Ray & Bishop

I’ve been contacted by a State Bar investigator.  What should I do?
Hire an attorney.  Any statements you make to an investigator can become admissions that can be used against you later in court.  We can step between you and the investigator and perform many important tasks, including clearing up misunderstandings, proactively addressing agency concerns, stopping intrusive and oppressive harassment by investigators, and facilitating communication between our client and the State Bard in a manner that is managed, documented and controlled.

How should I reveal a past problem on an application, at renewal, or as a mandated disclosure?
Truthfully and carefully.  We understand the tools that the bar will use to detect adverse events and fact check your application or renewal form for honesty and accuracy.  We know the rules for what must be disclosed and what need not be disclosed.  If an explanation is required, we can assist with important strategic and messaging considerations to minimize the danger of denial or discipline resulting from the disclosure.

I’ve received a Notice of Disciplinary Charges.  What’s my next step?
An Answer has to be filed in response to the Notice.  This matter should be turned over to an attorney as quickly as possible so that this deadline is met and the filing of the Notice is documented with proof of filing.

How do I pay for an attorney?
We accept all major credit cards, bank debit cards, checks, money orders and cash.  Interest-free payment plans may be available in some circumstances.

Contact Us

Contact Us Below or Call 949-557-4888

Address:

4100 Newport Place Dr., Suite 670
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Disclaimer

**Attorneys are only licensed to practice law in California. Attorneys’ offices are only located in California. However, pursuant to United States Code of Federal Regulations 8 C.F.R. § 1.2 and United States Code 5 U.S.C. § 500, Attorneys may practice Federal Administrative Law and represent an individual located outside of California within the parameters of Federal Administrative Law. Attorneys will NOT advise clients on the laws of any State or any State law legal matters (with the exception of California).  The information on this website is for general information purposes only.  Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation.  This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.  Legal advertisement.**