Representing clients involved in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings

The State Bar Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct (COPRAC) considers whether an attorney representing an individual as a debtor in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can also represent one or more of the individual’s creditors in unrelated matters without violating his or her ethical obligations.

Changes in the conflict of interest code for designated State Bar employees

A proposal to combine and realign Disclosure Categories in the State Bar’s Conflict of Interest code for employees to better reflect operational realities and create a new disclosure designation called Category 2. This category requires disclosure of financial sources that are subject to the regulatory, permit or licensing authority of the State Bar.

Proposed changes to State Bar rules of procedure involving discipline

The State Bar Court has proposed amendments to the State Bar of California Rules of Procedure that correct, clarify, or conform the rules to current practices, but do not materially change the process. The few substantive revisions primarily address the default process.