The State : Disbarments Rose in ’85

Disbarment of lawyers--and state payments to defrauded clients--both showed a sharp increase during 1985, the State Bar reported. During the year, 18 lawyers were disbarred by the state Supreme Court, as contrasted with 11 in 1984, and resignations from legal practice were accepted from 34 lawyers against whom disciplinary actions were pending, as contrasted with 12 in 1984. Meanwhile, payment from the State Bar’s client security fund increased from $841,000 in 1984 to $1.3 million in 1985, a 59% jump. The fund, supported by dues paid by lawyers, reimburses clients victimized by dishonest lawyers to a maximum of $50,000.