In San Francisco, California – while acting on behalf of Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, of the supreme Court, has issued today an order that invites any entity or person wishing to comment on the State Bar’s Request to a letter of amicus curiae to the court by Tuesday, October 11, 2016.
This action follows receipt of the Request for the State Bar of California for Special Regulatory Assessment, today,, September 30, 2016. Any letter needs to include a reference to the court’s case S237081 and docket number, In re to Attorney Discipline System. Full text of the order states:
“On September 30, 2016, the court received the Request of the State Bar of California for Special Regulatory Assessment (“Request”). Any person or entity wishing to comment on the State Bar’s Request may submit an amicus curiae letter (referencing docket number S237081, In re Attorney Discipline System) to the Office of the Clerk, Supreme Court of California, 350 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. The commenter must also send a copy of the amicus curiae letter to Vanessa Holton, General Counsel, The State Bar of California, 180 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. The letters to the court and the copies to the State Bar must be postmarked on or before October 11, 2016, or be hand-delivered to the designated addresses by October 11, 2016.”
The court’s further action is following the Legislature adjourned without passing a bill that authorizes the State Bar to gather annual bar dues for 2017. The Supreme Court of California holds the inherent constitutional power and authority to regulate the practice of law, including the responsibility to enact or impose an interim regulatory fee upon attorneys for the purpose of supporting an acceptable, functioning and adequate attorney discipline system that not only protects the clients but also the public. You can view the full article press release here.