Kerry Goff News
San Rafael attorney disbarred for unauthorized practice in up to 400 cases
SAN RAFAEL -- A California attorney has been disbarred, because he actively represented 300 to 400 trademark cases before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) despite not being able to practice in this area of law.
Judge: Disbarred Bay area attorneys 'took advantage of vulnerable, desperate homeowners'
SAN FRANCISCO – In November 2013, a State Bar judge argued that two Bay Area attorneys should be disbarred for cheating homeowners by promising to save their homes and then providing incompetent representation, or none at all, and turning their cases over to a non-lawyer. In March, the state Supreme Court agreed.
Tax attorney suspended for not filing taxes on $1.3 million in earnings
SAN FRANCISCO – Attorney James Patrick Klier, who practices in San Francisco, was suspended on March 19 from practicing law for 90 days and placed on probation for two years after he stipulated to failing to file tax returns for 11 years, based on a total of $1.3 million in earnings.
Modesto attorney suspended for 6 months after not meeting with probation deputy by deadline
MODESTO – Attorney Justin Thomas Allen, who practices in Modesto, was suspended on March 18 from practicing law for six months and placed on probation for two years after he stipulated to failing to comply with conditions attached to an earlier disciplinary probation order.
State Bar’s annual discipline report: 421 lawyers suspended or disbarred in 2015
SAN FRANCISCO – The State Bar of California released its annual discipline report in June, which addressed the improvements made within the last year, as well as room for improvements in future studies.
$5 million state allocates to bar's legal aid 'terrific step in right direction'
SAN FRANCISCO – In a July article published by the California Bar Journal, it announced that the state provided a $5 million increase to legal aid.
LA Bar Association offers flat-fee options to consumers
LOS ANGELES – California’s largest voluntary bar association, the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA), has launched its own flat-fee service in an attempt to remain competitive with online companies that use the internet to offer consumers low-cost legal services.
Walnut Creek attorney disbarred, allegedly failed to prepare client's will
SAN FRANCISCO – Tina Tran, an attorney who practices in Walnut Creek, was disbarred March 18 after being charged with five violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct and the Business and Professions Code.
Immigration attorney disbarred for repeated misconduct and non-compliance
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Department of Justice has disbarred attorney Carla
Ruth McBeath from practice before the Department of Homeland Security, the
Board the Immigration Appeals and the Immigration Court.
Modesto attorney reinstated after one-year suspension
SAN FRANCISCO – David M. Spieker, a Modesto attorney who was previously suspended from practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for one year, has sought reinstatement to practice with no objections from any of the departments.
Unclaimed property creates concerns for California citizens' property rights
BAKERSFIELD – The U.S. Supreme Court recently denied a petition to review a case related to California's practice of collecting unclaimed property. In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs claimed the state does not give people adequate notice before transferring their assets to the fund, which is overseen by the California State Controller's Office.
Calif. SC ruling could lead to more class actions over 'organic' labels
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - The California Supreme Court
recently decided that private citizens could bring state court actions
against produce companies that allegedly falsely label their products
“organic.”