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James Woods knows the power of apology. The intense, versatile actor, known for roles in such films as “The Onion Field” and “Ghosts of Mississippi,” had no intention of even talking to representatives of Kent Hospital in Warwick, R.I., which he and his nephew had sued in the death of his brother Michael. But a “change in rhetoric” that included a heartfelt apology from hospital President Sandra Colletta ended his determination not to settle.
Continuing its effort to protect the public from lawyers who take advantage of distressed homeowners, the State Bar prosecutor’s office has secured orders of involuntary inactive enrollment for three Southern California attorneys: Eric Douglas Johnson of Los Angeles, Mark Alan Shoemaker of Long Beach and Brian Colombana of Lake Forest.
Longtime trial attorney James E. Towery, who served as president of the State Bar in 1995-96, was appointed last month as the bar’s chief trial counsel.
The State Bar will hold its 83rd Annual Meeting in Monterey this year, featuring dozens of educational programs, luncheons with renowned speakers, receptions and award ceremonies, a Fun Run/Power Walk, the annual art show and more.
Any attorney suspended for non-payment of State Bar membership fees for 2008 and earlier may take advantage of an amnesty program approved by the board of governors. The offer is good until Dec. 31.
The State Bar announced last month it has begun a national search for a new executive director to lead the 227,000-member organization that oversees admissions, regulation and discipline of lawyers.
The State Bar, Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. and the state Department of Real Estate warned homeowners last month about an alarming rise in short sale fraud across California.