Santa Monica, CA 90403-5466
29 September 2000 | Discipline, probation; no actual susp. 96-O-04558 (24 years, 8 months ago) |
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12 May 2000 | Active (25 years, 1 month ago) |
11 September 1999 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (25 years, 9 months ago) Ordered inactive 97-O-13493 |
21 July 1999 | Disciplinary charges filed in State Bar Court 97-O-13493 (25 years, 11 months ago) |
5 May 1998 | Disciplinary charges filed in State Bar Court 96-O-04558 (27 years, 1 month ago) |
25 August 1993 | Private reproval, public disclosure 92-O-13192 (31 years, 10 months ago) |
5 April 1993 | Disciplinary charges filed in State Bar Court 92-O-13192 (32 years, 2 months ago) |
29 November 1979 | Admitted to the State Bar of California (45 years, 7 months ago) |
September 29, 2000 ALAN CRAIG BAIL [#88955], 47, of Playa del Rey was suspended for two years, stayed, placed on five years of probation and was ordered to take the MPRE within one year. The order took effect Sept. 29, 2000. Bail stipulated to misconduct in six consolidated cases, all involving personal injury cases.In one matter, he deposited in his trust account $145,000, of which $42,000 should have been paid to the U.S. Postal Service, his client’s employer, for reimbursement of workers’ compensation benefits, and another $31,000 to seven medical providers.Bail paid one doctor nine months after receiving the settlement, paid two other medical liens 20 months later, and did not pay the rest. Several years after the settlement, he still owed the postal service more than $14,000, but his client trust account had a balance of just under $2,000.Bail failed to file suit in another matter resulting in a significant financial loss for his client. He lost another case and judgment was entered for the opposing clients for their costs, but her never informed his clients. When his health deteriorated, he informed some clients he could no longer handle their matters, but he did not return complete files.Bail stipulated to one count of failing to perform competently and one count of failing to pay out client funds and to two counts each of failing to respond to client inquiries or keep clients informed of developments in their cases, return client files and hold client funds in a client trust account, and to misappropriating client funds, a violation involving moral turpitude. He also did not keep his address current with the State Bar.In mitigation, Bail has taken steps to atone for any consequences of his misconduct, including ceasing practice at the end of 1995, remaining inactive from 1996 to the present and seeking psychiatric evaluation. He also suffered extreme emotional difficulties from which he has recovered through medical treatment.Bail also was disciplined in 1993 for failure to return a file, return unearned fees or account for client funds. |