San Francisco, CA – September 2024

Case Number	Court	Judicial Office
SBC-19-N-30356	San Francisco	Wang, Phong
File Date	Case Type	Case Status
07/19/2019	9.20 Non-Compliance	Supreme Court – Closed

George Anthony Munoz, an attorney licensed in California since 2013, is facing disciplinary charges from the State Bar of California for failing to comply with a prior Supreme Court order, which could result in his disbarment. The charges, outlined in a Notice of Disciplinary Charges filed in July 2019, accuse Munoz of willfully violating California’s legal ethics rules by neglecting to follow through with required actions after a previous suspension.

Failure to Comply with Rule 9.20

The primary charge against Munoz relates to his failure to file a declaration of compliance under California Rules of Court, rule 9.20. This rule mandates that attorneys who have been suspended or disbarred must notify all clients, opposing counsel, and courts of their suspension and confirm these actions by filing a declaration with the State Bar Court.

In Munoz’s case, he was ordered by the California Supreme Court in case no. S250320 to comply with rule 9.20 by December 27, 2018. He failed to submit the required declaration by that date, putting him in direct violation of the court’s order.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

According to the State Bar‘s disciplinary notice, Munoz’s failure to comply with rule 9.20 could lead to severe penalties, including disbarment. The State Bar Court has the authority to enter a default judgment if Munoz fails to respond to these charges or appear at his disciplinary trial. Such a judgment would automatically render him inactive, prohibiting him from practicing law in California.

The notice further warns that if Munoz does not take action to set aside the default, the court will recommend his disbarment without further hearings.

Background on Munoz’s Suspension

Munoz’s current disciplinary issues stem from previous misconduct that led to a suspension. He was previously disciplined for failing to make restitution to a former client, Danielle Solorio, in the amount of $4,250. Additionally, the California Supreme Court had ordered him to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) and comply with other conditions as part of his probation.

Munoz’s failure to meet these conditions, including his disregard for rule 9.20, has now escalated to a point where his legal career is at risk.