Los Alamitos, CA 90720
13 October 2006 | Resigned (18 years, 8 months ago) Resignation with charges pending 06-Q-12848 |
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16 June 2006 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (19 years ago) Vol.inactive(tender of resign.w/charges) 06-Q-12848 |
17 October 2004 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (20 years, 8 months ago) |
10 December 2002 | Active (22 years, 6 months ago) |
10 November 2002 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (22 years, 7 months ago) Discipline w/actual suspension 96-O-03531 |
4 January 2001 | Disciplinary charges filed in State Bar Court 99-O-12610 (24 years, 5 months ago) |
12 August 1999 | Disciplinary charges filed in State Bar Court 96-O-03531 (25 years, 10 months ago) |
1 December 1981 | Admitted to the State Bar of California (43 years, 6 months ago) |
November 10, 2002 MELANIE RAE BLUM [#100319], 53, of Tustin was suspended for three years, stayed, placed on two years of probation with an actual 30-day suspension and was ordered to take the MPRE within one year. The order took effect Nov. 10, 2002. Blum took her case to the State Bar Court's review department, arguing that the recommended discipline was excessive, and she argued that office operations were in the hands of her husband while she handled a big case.The review department agreed with the hearing judge that Blum committed acts of moral turpitude but reduced the recommended discipline.In 1995, Blum became immersed in fertility litigation, serving as lead counsel in a landmark case against the University of California at Irvine and its now-defunct Center for Reproductive Health.She became overextended and also suffered health problems.During the period her husband managed their office, he grossly mismanaged the financial aspects of the couple's practice, according to the review department's findings.Blum stipulated that she charged clients in a medical malpractice case an illegal fee and mishandled their funds, committing an act of moral turpitude.In a second malpractice case, the balance in her client trust account fell below the required amount, and she committed an act of moral turpitude.In mitigation, Blum practiced for 14 years without any discipline. She suffered from extreme emotional difficulties with her husband, who a psychiatrist testified was abusive, dominating and controlling. Several witnesses testified to Blum's honesty and adherence to ethical requirements |