On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the Supreme Court of California delivered a verdict to disbar attorney Andrew Brian Mitchell. The court’s ruling came as a result of Mitchell’s failure to fulfill professional responsibilities and demonstrate a proper understanding of the consequences associated with disregarding legal and ethical regulations.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Andrew Brian Mitchell,” with case no. S280697.
On April 27, 2023, the State Bar Court of California’s Hearing Department in Los Angeles reached a decision and issued an order for his involuntary inactive enrollment and subsequent disbarment. Respondent had been charged with multiple rule violations, including failing to comply with Rule 9.20 of the California Rules of Court and violating conditions of his disciplinary probation.
On August 5, 2022, Mitchell filed his response to a notice of disciplinary charges (NDC) related to Case No. SBC-22-N-30578. He had also filed a response on September 19, 2022, to another NDC regarding Case No. SBC-22-O-30809. These two NDCs were later consolidated. Despite the response filings, Mitchell had failed to appear at trial, leading to the entry of his default.
The State Bar Court found that Mitchell violated California Rules of Court by failing to file a timely declaration of compliance. Additionally, he violated the Business and Professions Code section by failing to comply with probation conditions, such as scheduling meetings, submitting reports, and cooperating with mental health requirements.
As a result, the court recommended Mitchell’s disbarment and an award of $5,000 in monetary sanctions to the State Bar of California Client Security Fund, along with awarded costs to the State Bar. Mitchell had been ordered to comply with Rule 9.20 by performing specified acts within specified time frames. The court had also transferred Mitchell to involuntary inactive status.
In response to the recommendation, the Supreme Court has upheld and implemented the disbarment of Mitchell, effectively barring his legal practice in California.
The Disposition states:
“The court orders that Andrew Brian Mitchell (Respondent), State Bar Number 284405, is disbarred from the practice of law in California and that Respondent’s name is stricken from the roll of attorneys.”
Mr. Mitchell attended the Santa Barbara College of Law, graduating in 2011. Before his disbarment, Mr. Mitchell practiced in Santa Barbara, California, and held a valid license in the state. His info can be found on Linkedin.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
