California Supreme Court disciplines Rolling Hills Estates attorney Cox over misconduct in probate matter

On April 19, 2023, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California ruled on the disciplinary charges against Rolling Hills Estates attorney Lawrence Jay Cox alleging professional misconduct. The ruling suspends Cox from the practice of law.

The case is styled “In the Matter of Lawrence Jay Cox’ and was brought by the Office of Chief Trial Counsel, under case nos. SBC-22-O-30928.

The charges cited Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.1(a), 1.3(a), and 1.16(d).

The California Rules of Professional Conduct can be found on The State Bar of California’s page.

The Notice of Disciplinary Charges dated September 29, 2022, was submitted by the Office of Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar (OCTC), by and through Senior Trial Counsel Eli D. Morgenstern.

The charges alleged that Cox, in his handling of a probate matter engaged in misconduct that includes lack of competence and diligence, negligence, failure to respond to the client’s request for information about the status of the matter, and failure to appear at a scheduled hearing. Moreover, Cox failed to properly terminate representation and failed to update his membership address.

The filing states:

“On or about June 2, 2021, respondent sent Ms. Martin an email responding to her question about the Vanguard accounts. Respondent also apologized to Ms. Martin “for not being in better communication.” Respondent stated that he had been experiencing physical, mental,
and family issues. The email was the last time respondent communicated with Ms. Martin.”

The filing continues:

“. On or about July 8, 2021, Ms. Martin sent respondent an email asking him to complete the estate administration in connection with the Stevens probate matter; or in the alternative, substitute out of the matter as her attorney. Ms. Martin asked that respondent respond to the email within five business days. On or about July 12, 2021, Ms. Martin sent a text
message to respondent asking if he had checked his email. Respondent received Ms. Martin’s email and text message; however, respondent did not respond to them.”

In light of the aforementioned, the Supreme Court of California ruled that Cox should receive a one-year suspension with a stay of execution.

The disposition reads:

“The court orders that Lawrence Jay Cox (Respondent), State Bar Number 147376, is suspended from the practice of law in California for one year, execution of that period of suspension is stayed, and Respondent is placed on probation for one year.”

Cox was also ordered to produce to the State Bar’s Office of Probation evidence of taking and passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.

Mr. Cox earned his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. He practiced in Rolling Hills Estates before the suspension and has been licensed in California. His info can be found on AllCaliforniaAttorneys.com.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.