Sebastian Phillip Ernandes was admitted to the California Bar 29th November 1979, but is now resigned. Sebastian graduated from Southwestern University SOL.
Lawyer Information
| Name | Sebastian Phillip Ernandes |
|---|---|
| First Admitted | 29 November 1979 (45 years, 7 months ago) |
| Status | Resigned |
| Bar Number | 89088 |
Contact
| Phone Number | 310-932-2559 |
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Schools
| Law School | Southwestern University SOL (Los Angeles CA) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate School | California St University Long Beach (CA) |
Address
| Current Address | 2216 S Pacific Ave San Pedro, CA 90731 |
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| Map |
History
| 17 May 1997 | Resigned (28 years, 1 month ago) Resignation with charges pending 97-Q-11287 |
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| 7 March 1997 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (28 years, 3 months ago) Vol.inactive(tender of resign.w/charges) 97-Q-11287 |
| 5 September 1996 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (28 years, 9 months ago) Discipline w/actual suspension 95-O-10281 |
| 3 May 1996 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (29 years, 1 month ago) Discipline w/actual suspension 94-O-16455 |
| 1 June 1995 | Disciplinary charges filed in State Bar Court 95-O-10281 (30 years ago) |
| 24 April 1995 | Disciplinary charges filed in State Bar Court 94-O-16455 (30 years, 2 months ago) |
| 29 November 1979 | Admitted to the State Bar of California (45 years, 7 months ago) |
Discipline Summaries
September 5, 1996 SEBASTIAN PHILLIP ERNANDES [#89088], 43, of San Pedro was suspended for two years, stayed, and placed on probation for two years, with an actual suspension of six months, effective Sept. 5, 1996. The period of probation and actual suspension will be concurrent with the remainder of discipline previously imposed.Ernandes' misconduct involved four clients and included failure to competently perform legal services, respond promptly to reasonable case status inquiries, inform his client of significant case developments, release a client's file when requested, provide an accounting of fees and cooperate with the bar's investigation.In aggravation, Ernandes has a prior record of discipline. In 1995, he was found culpable of violating several rules of professional conduct in three separate matters. He was actually suspended for six months and ordered to make restitution to a client.Because the 1995 discipline order involved misconduct which occurred during the same period as his current misconduct, the aggravating force of his prior discipline was diminished.Ernandes' misconduct in one of the current cases resulted in a dismissal and the client received no recovery. However, Ernandes carried errors and omissions coverage and reported the dismissal to his insurance carrier. The client has a malpractice claim and may ultimately be compensated.He also reported his failure to perform on behalf of a minor client, whose claim may not have been lost.Mitigating circumstances included Ernandes' bout with depression during the period of his misconduct. He was emotionally distraught as a result of trying to care for his father who was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. He voluntarily sought psychotherapy and has been in treatment on a weekly basis.Ernandes has performed numerous pro bono services since his admission to the bar in 1979. He has served as a volunteer judge pro tem in both municipal and superior courts and served as a mediator for the past 10 years.In addition, Ernandes eventually completed one client's divorce and was successful in obtaining a restraining order against her ex-husband.May 3, 1996 SEBASTIAN PHILLIP ERNANDES [#89088], 42, of San Pedro was suspended for two years, stayed, effective May 3, 1996. He was placed on two years probation with six months actual suspension and until he makes restitution. If the period of actual suspension exceeds two years, he will remain suspended until he has shown proof of his rehabilitation and fitness to practice law. He also was ordered to pass the CPRE and comply with Rule 955. Ernandes' misconduct involved three clients. After a default trial, the hearing department of the State Bar Court found him culpable of failing to perform services competently in two client matters and failing to communicate and return unearned fees in one matter. In two instances, he failed to return client papers as requested and he also did not cooperate with the bar's investigation. In one matter, Ernandes was employed by a client to represent her travel business in a civil action. The client paid a total of $650 in advanced fees to Ernandes, but he failed to follow through with her case. In aggravation, Ernandes engaged in multiple acts of wrongdoing. In mitigation, he practiced law more than 11 years prior to the first incident of misconduct. |