James D. Gunderson
As president of the State Bar of California, I feel a great sense of responsibility to assure the public that the Bar has been, and will continue, investigating the circumstances relayed in your story concerning Orange County attorney James D. Gunderson, who allegedly has received millions of dollars from the estates of elderly clients whose wills and trusts he prepared (Nov. 22).
The State Bar’s chief trial counsel has waived confidentiality in this particular proceedings so that I may disclose publicly that an extensive and thorough State Bar investigation has been under way since these allegations were brought to the Bar’s attention. This disturbing account provides me with an opportunity to stress how important it is for any person who questions the actions of an attorney to report this behavior immediately to the State Bar’s complaint intake unit. The toll-free number of this hotline is 1-(800)-843-9053. For the State Bar to carry out its commitment to public protection, it is critical for the public to let us know immediately if they suspect any dishonest or unethical behavior on the part of an attorney.
HARVEY I. SAFERSTEIN
President, State Bar of California
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
