Los Angeles, CA 90024-3950
15 April 2000 | Active (25 years ago) |
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15 October 1999 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (25 years, 6 months ago) Discipline w/actual suspension 97-O-13934 |
20 December 1973 | Admitted to the State Bar of California (51 years, 4 months ago) |
October 15, 1999 STEPHEN BERNARD [#56553], 53, of Los Angeles was suspended for two years, stayed, and placed on probation for three years with an actual six-month suspension and until he proves his rehabilitation and places $5,500 in an interest bearing account in trust for a former client. He also was ordered to take the MPRE and comply with rule 955. The order took effect Oct. 15, 1999. Bernard misappropriated client funds and failed to maintain client funds in trust in a personal injury case. He settled the case and disbursed funds to a medical provider and his client. Before the client cashed the check, he allowed the balance of his trust account to fall below the required amount because he paid personal expenses from the account.In another personal injury matter, Bernard committed the same violations. He again allowed the balance of his trust account to dip below the required amount by paying personal bills with client funds.In mitigation, he has no record of discipline since his 1973 admission to the bar, he was engaged in a bitter divorce and child custody battle at the time of the misconduct, and he was using illegal drugs. He voluntarily sought treatment and currently undergoes therapy. |