Pahrump, NV 89048-6243
22 April 2019 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (6 years, 1 month ago) Ordered inactive |
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30 April 2018 | Inactive (7 years, 1 month ago) |
20 May 2006 | Active (19 years, 1 month ago) |
20 November 2005 | Not eligible to practice law in CA (19 years, 7 months ago) Discipline w/actual suspension 03-O-01398 |
11 September 1980 | Admitted to the State Bar of California (44 years, 9 months ago) |
November 20, 2005 CLAUDIA L. PHILLIPS [#93233], 51, of Agoura Hills was suspended for two years, stayed, placed on three years of probation with a six-month actual suspension and was ordered to comply with rule 955, take the MPRE and prove her rehabilitation. The order took effect Nov. 20, 2005. A bankruptcy lawyer, Phillips employed her husband as her paralegal. Without her knowledge, he hired three people to solicit clients on her behalf.In three matters, the employees went to the homes of people facing foreclosure, received payments of between $400 and $1,200, and took the information to Phillips’ husband, who prepared bankruptcy petitions. Claudia Phillips filed the petitions and represented the clients in all matters following the filings.In a fourth matter, a Los Angeles bankruptcy judge found that neither Phillips nor anyone in her office met with a client or explained the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 petitions. He also found that the petition contained inaccurate information. In lieu of discipline, Phillips agreed to sell her law practice, not practice bankruptcy law for 30 months, attend continuing education classes and supervise her husband. She complied with all conditions of the stipulation.Phillips stipulated that she failed to perform legal services competently by failing to monitor the activities of her staff.In mitigation, she instituted remedial office procedures prior to the threat of discipline charges, complied with the terms of the settlement agreement with the bankruptcy trustee, and her ability in bankruptcy law and good character are widely known. She suffered from prolonged emotional and financial abuse by her husband and has had significant personal problems, including a child’s medical problems, and providing support for her sister, whose husband was murdered. |