California State Bar Alternative Discipline Attorney

Contrary to what we learned in law school, The State Bar can discipline attorneys, not only for “conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, involving moral turpitude” or “commission of any act, whether or not criminal, if it involves ‘moral turpitude, dishonesty or corruption’, whether the act is committed in the course of his relations as an attorney or otherwise; but instead, for any “conduct warranting discipline” (See, e.g., In re Carr(1988) 46 Cal.3d 1089; In re Rohan (1978) 21 Cal.3d 195.

If there exists a “nexus” between the conduct which The Bar seeks to discipline, and an attorney’s substance abuse or mental health issues, The State Bar offers opportunities for these attorneys to receive the help they need, while also receiving lower levels of discipline. These Programs are known as ADP (the Alternative Discipline Program) and LAP (the Lawyer Assistance Program).

Many otherwise extremely experienced and reputable State Bar Defense Counsel have limited or no understanding of these Programs, their relationship, interaction and consequences; both professionally and for recovery.  Mr. Hudson (a sober “Veteran” of the ADP/LAP process) is not one of these inexperienced attorneys.

If you are an attorney in trouble with the State Bar, and suffer from substance abuse or mental health issues, we encourage you to get the help you are entitled to by contacting The Hudson Firm at 949-888-6618.