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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Modesto attorney on probation after most allegations against him are dismissed

Discipline
Court

SAN FRANCISCO – Modesto attorney Jakrun S. Sodhi is on probation following a March 6 California Supreme Court order and allegations of misconduct in multiple client matters.

The Supreme Court handed down a stayed one-year suspension and placed Sodhi on two years' conditional probation with 30 days of actual suspension. Sodhi also was ordered to comply with probation conditions included in the California State Bar Court's recommendation issued in October.

Among other things, Sodhi is required to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination and to pay all costs in the matter.

Sodhi was admitted to the bar in California on June 1, 1999, according to his profile at the state bar website. Sodhi had no prior record of discipline in California. 

"His approximately 13 years of discipline-free conduct prior to the present misconduct warrants significant consideration in mitigation," the state bar court's decision said.

In its 29-page decision issued Oct. 29, the State Bar Court recommended suspension and conditional probation after finding Sodhi culpable of professional conduct rules violations, including those regarding competence, communication, improper withdrawal of employment and avoiding interests adverse to a client.

The state bar court dismissed, mostly with prejudice, 15 of 20 counts against Sodhi.

"Based on the nature and extent of culpability, as well as the applicable aggravating and mitigating circumstances, the court recommends, among other things, that [Sodhi] be suspended for 30 days," the decision said.  

In addition to the lengthy period of discipline-free practice, the State Bar Court also considered character testimony and declarations from 17 witnesses to Sodhi's good character, according to the decision. These included attorneys, clients, friends and doctors who "demonstrated a general understanding of the alleged misconduct and, nonetheless, praised his integrity, intelligence, commitment, compassion and trustworthiness," the decision said.

Also considered in mitigation was Sodhi's volunteer and pro bono service, including work for the Make a Wish Foundation and the Community Hospice of Modesto.

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