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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RECORD

Monday, March 18, 2024

California bar court backs largely stayed suspension for Modesto attorney

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SAN FRANCISCO (Northern California Record) — Modesto attorney Jakrun S. Sodhi faces a possible stayed suspension and probation following a recently announced California State Bar Court recommendation in multiple client matters.

"Having considered the evidence, the standards, and the case law, the court concludes that a 30-day period of actual suspension, among other things, is sufficient to protect the public, the courts and the legal profession," the state bar court said in its 29-page decision issued Oct. 29.

The state bar court recommended Sohi receive a largely stayed one-year suspension and be placed on two years' conditional probation. "[Sodhi] must be suspended from the practice of law for the first 30 days of [his] probation," the state bar court's decision said.

The court also recommended Sodhi be required to attend the state bar's ethics school and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.

The state bar court found Sodhi culpable of professional conduct rules violations, including those regarding competence, communication, improper withdrawal of employment and avoiding interests adverse to a client. The court dismissed, mostly with prejudice, 15 of 20 counts against Sodhi.

The state bar's recommendation is pending final action by the California Supreme Court, an appeal before the state bar's review department or expiration of time in which parties may request further review within the state bar court.

Sodhi's recommended discipline was among the dispositions filed earlier this month by the state bar court's hearing department for October.  The state bar court's decision against Sodhi was only more recently uploaded to his state bar profile.

Sodhi was admitted to the bar in California on June 1, 1999, according to his profile at the state bar website. "His approximately 13 years of discipline-free conduct prior to the present misconduct warrants significant consideration in mitigation," the decision said.

The state bar court also considered Sodhi's good character evidence and his pro bono and volunteer service to be mitigating factors in the matter against him.

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