On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, the Supreme Court of California issued a disciplinary order against attorney Richard Lewis Coberly, suspending him from the practice of law for one year with the execution of the suspension stayed and imposing a one-year probation term with conditions for violations of professional misconduct.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Richard Lewis Coberly,” with case no. S283566.

According to the stipulation filed in the State Bar Court, Coberly committed multiple acts of misconduct in his representation of three different clients. In one client matter, Coberly failed to diligently pursue legal actions, resulting in an order to show cause regarding dismissal being issued by the court. His inaction also forced the client to hire new counsel to complete the work she had retained him for.

In another matter, Coberly negotiated a settlement on behalf of a client at a mandatory settlement conference in July 2019, while on inactive status with the State Bar for failing to comply with minimum continuing legal education requirements. He had been notified twice in May and June 2019 that he would not be eligible to practice as of July 2, 2019, but still engaged in unauthorized practice by continuing legal representation.

Additionally, Coberly failed to keep a third client adequately informed about significant case developments and missed important court deadlines and hearings. His omissions led to the imposition of sanctions against the client and an eventual judgment against her. During this time period from July to mid-August 2019, Coberly appeared in court for hearings when unauthorized to practice.

As part of the stipulated discipline, Coberly admitted to acts of misconduct including lack of diligence, failure to communicate with clients, knowingly practicing while ineligible, and unauthorized court appearances. In mitigation, he had nearly 13 years of prior discipline-free practice and entered into a pre-trial stipulation acknowledging wrongdoing. Additional mitigating factors included good character evidence, mental health treatment for ADHD, and some limited pro bono services.

Under the Court’s order, Coberly will be suspended from practice for one year but the suspension is stayed and he is placed on probation for one year with conditions. He will be suspended from the practice of law for a minimum of the first 30 days of probation, and will remain suspended until the following requirements are satisfied: He must pay restitution to one client of $1,567.90 plus interest and remain suspended until that payment is made. Coberly is also required to comply with other probation terms, take and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam, comply with client notification rules, pay $3,000 in monetary sanctions, and be responsible for the costs of the disciplinary proceeding.

According to avvo.com, Mr. Coberly is a litigation attorney in Covina, California. He attended the University of La Verne College of Law. He acquired his law license in California in 2006.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.