On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the California Supreme Court disbarred attorney Matthew B. Smith, State Bar Number 230648, effectively removing him from the practice of law in the state.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Matthew B. Smith,” with case number S294223.
The court’s order mandates that Smith comply with Rule 9.20 of the California Rules of Court, requiring him to notify clients and take necessary steps within 30 to 40 calendar days of the order’s filing. Failure to comply may result in the denial of any future application for reinstatement.
In addition to disbarment, Smith is required to pay monetary sanctions of $3,750 to the State Bar of California Client Security Fund, as outlined in Business and Professions Code section 6086.13 and rule 5.137 of the Rules of Procedure of the State Bar. The monetary sanctions are enforceable as a money judgment, collectible through any means permitted by law. Costs were also awarded to the State Bar in accordance with Business and Professions Code section 6086.10, enforceable under section 6140.7, and as a money judgment.
The disbarment stems from a conviction proceeding related to incidents that occurred on January 22, 2022, at a private birthday event at the Sacramento Yacht Club, where Smith was a past commodore. According to factual stipulations, Smith consumed alcohol and became increasingly aggressive and physical with M.V. (age 15), K.C. (age 16), and E.C. (age 18), who were working in the kitchen area.
Smith approached M.V., telling her to smile more, and grabbed her arm when she didn’t laugh. Later, he put his hands on her hips and lower back, brushing against her as he passed by and touched her again while giving directions. He eventually placed his hand on her lower back and hips, sliding it down to her buttocks. K.C. reported a similar incident, where Smith put his hand on her lower back and swiped over her buttocks. E.C. reported that Smith told him he needed to do his job better while firmly patting him on the back and aggressively grabbing his arms.
During the criminal trial, testimony was introduced regarding three prior incidents of sexual assault by Smith from four witnesses. The State Bar Court found that the facts and circumstances surrounding Smith’s violation involved moral turpitude, warranting the imposition of discipline. The court noted that the victims were minors at the time of the misconduct and suffered substantial mental distress and trauma. While Smith had no prior record of discipline, the mitigating weight was diminished by his engagement in similar behavior on multiple occasions.
The State Bar Court recommended disbarment, citing the need to protect the public, the courts, and the legal profession, maintain professional standards, and preserve public confidence. The court found that Smith’s actions demonstrated an inability to exercise lawful judgment and self-restraint, exploiting his position of authority to target minors.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
