West Orange, CA 92840-4643
24 November 1999 | Resigned (25 years, 1 month ago) |
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26 August 1999 | Not Eligible To Practice Law in CA (25 years, 4 months ago) |
5 October 1984 | Active (40 years, 3 months ago) |
19 November 1982 | Judge (42 years, 2 months ago) |
21 June 1966 | Admitted to The State Bar of California (58 years, 7 months ago) |
January 1, 1997 STEPHEN C. STEWART [#38706], 63, of Orange was suspended for two years, stayed, placed on two years of probation and was ordered to take the MPRE within one year. The order took effect Jan. 1, 1997. Stewart stipulated to misconduct in eight separate matters.In four divorce cases, he failed to promptly provide an accounting for fees. He also failed to perform legal services competently or respond to clients' status inquiries. He did not cooperate with State Bar investigations of four matters.In mitigation, Stewart, a former municipal court judge, has practiced for 30 years without any discipline and his conduct was the result of office management problems rather than dishonesty. His longtime secretary died, and recognizing that he needed additional assistance, Stewart added staff. Some of his problems were the result of a paralegal's failure to follow established office procedures, including withholding clients' telephone messages.Stewart has instituted better office management practices since his misconduct. |