Supreme Court of California Summarily Disbars Attorney Paul Steven Metsch Following Felony Embezzlement Conviction

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of California summarily disbarred attorney Paul Steven Metsch from practicing law in the state. The court’s decision followed Metsch’s felony conviction for grand theft by embezzlement under Penal Code section 487, subdivision (a), which was finalized on January 10, 2025. The conviction prompted the State Bar’s Office of the Chief Trial Counsel to file a motion for summary disbarment, which the court granted, resulting in Metsch’s name being removed from the roll of attorneys.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Paul Steven Metsch,” with case no. S290000.

The State Bar Court’s Review Department recommended disbarment on February 27, 2025, citing that Metsch’s felony offense involved moral turpitude, a criterion for mandatory disbarment under Business and Professions Code section 6102, subdivision (c). The recommendation followed Metsch’s guilty plea on June 11, 2024, and his interim suspension from practicing law, effective October 28, 2024. The court determined that the nature of the crime, which involved intentional theft, warranted no lesser discipline.

Metsch is required to comply with California Rules of Court, rule 9.20, notifying clients and others of his disbarment within 30 and 40 days of the court’s order, respectively. Failure to meet these requirements could impact any future reinstatement application.

Additionally, Metsch was ordered to pay $5,000 in monetary sanctions to the State Bar of California Client Security Fund, as stipulated by Business and Professions Code section 6086.13 and rule 5.137 of the State Bar’s Rules of Procedure. The court also awarded costs to the State Bar, enforceable as a money judgment. These financial obligations must be fulfilled as a condition for any potential reinstatement, unless extended by applicable law or court orders.

The Disposition states:

“The court orders that Paul Steven Metsch (Respondent), State Bar Number 121912, is summarily disbarred from the practice of law and that Respondent’s name is stricken from the roll of attorneys.”

According to Avvo.com, Mr. Metsch was a litigation attorney in San Diego, California. He attended the University of San Diego School of Law, graduating in 1985. He acquired his law license in the same year. 

A copy of the original filing can be found here.