On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the Supreme Court of California disbarred attorney Leslie Wayne Westmoreland for wrongful conduct, which encompasses employing suspended members for activities that are prohibited and assisting in the practice of law without authorization.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Leslie Wayne Westmoreland,” with case no. S280627.
On April 26, 2023, the State Bar Court of California’s Hearing Department in Los Angeles issued a decision and order involving attorney Leslie Wayne Westmoreland, who was charged with six counts of misconduct. Despite being given a chance to respond to the notice of disciplinary charges, Westmoreland did not participate, leading to his default.
The Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) of the State Bar filed a petition for disbarment under the State Bar’s Rules of Procedure. The court found that all procedural requirements had been met, including serving the notice of disciplinary charges and diligently attempting to notify Westmoreland of the proceedings. After failing to appear at the initial status conference and not filing a response, Westmoreland’s default was entered on November 17, 2022. The court also ordered his involuntary inactive enrollment as a licensed attorney under the Business and Professions Code.
The factual allegations in the NDC were deemed admitted due to the default, supporting the conclusion that Westmoreland violated various rules, including employment of suspended members for prohibited activities and aiding the unauthorized practice of law. The court recommended Westmoreland’s disbarment based on the violations and his failure to participate in the disciplinary proceeding. Monetary sanctions of $5,000 were also recommended, given the severity of the violations and his lack of participation.
Following the recommendation, the Supreme Court has accepted and enforced the disbarment of Westmoreland, thereby prohibiting him from practicing law in the state of California.
“The court orders that Leslie Wayne Westmoreland (Respondent), State Bar Number 195188, is disbarred from the practice of law in California and that Respondent’s name is stricken from the roll of attorneys.”
Before his disbarment, Mr. Westmoreland practiced in Fresno, California, and held a valid license in the state. His info can be found on avvo.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
