SAN FRANCISCO – Hollywood attorney Douglas Robert Shoemaker faces suspension and probation following an Aug. 8 California Supreme Court order over an alleged failure to comply with probation conditions, according to a recent State Bar of California announcement and court documents.
The Supreme Court handed down a stayed three-year suspension and three years of conditional probation with a minimum of the first two years to be spent on suspension. Shoemaker will remain suspended until he provides proof to the California State Bar Court of his "rehabilitation, fitness to practice and present learning and ability in the general law," the Supreme Court's order said.
Conditions of Shoemaker's probation also include passing the multistate professional responsibility examination as previously recommended by the California State Bar Court's Hearing Department. Shoemaker also was ordered to pay costs.
Shoemaker's discipline will be effective Saturday, Sept. 7, according to an announcement recently posted on the state bar's website.
Shoemaker was admitted to the bar in California on April 26, 2004, according to his profile at the state bar website.
Shoemaker allegedly failed to comply with probation conditions, including contacting the office of probation and meet with a probation deputy, and submitting quarterly reports, according to a decision issued by the State Bar Court in April. After formal charges were filed against him, Shoemaker submitted his outstanding quarterly reports and attended the required meeting with his probation deputy, according to the decision.
Shoemaker has suffered extensive stress in his personal life, including a major depressive disorder that he suffers, the death of his first wife and the extramarital affair of his second wife, who eventually left him, according to the decision.
"He admits that in the midst of this emotional and financial turmoil, submitting documents to the probation office was not a high priority," the decision said.
Shoemaker told the State Bar Court that he "is still not in great shape" but "that therapy has improved his condition" and he "has now placed value and importance on his physical and mental health," the decision said.