Disgraced former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do can no longer practice law. The California State Bar Court suspended his license today — a precursor to potential disbarment.
LAist reached out to Do’s attorney, Paul Meyer, for comment, but Meyer said, “It is inappropriate to comment at this time.”
Here’s the backstory
Do, a licensed attorney, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of bribery in late October, nearly a year after LAist began investigating millions in taxpayer dollars that Do directed to a nonprofit where his daughter, Rhiannon Do, held top roles.
What happened to the money?
Federal prosecutors determined that some of that money, which was meant to feed seniors during the pandemic, was used for personal gain, including buying a home for Rhiannon Do, who is a third-year law student at UC Irvine.
What is the State Bar’s role?
The State Bar of California has authority over licensing, regulating, and disciplining attorneys in the state. According to State Bar rules , an attorney will be summarily disbarred if the State Bar Court determines that the attorney’s felony offense involved moral turpitude, or the “specific intent to deceive, defraud, steal, or make or suborn a false statement.”
On Jan. 17, the State Bar Court ordered Do’s suspension pending finalization of his criminal case. The order characterizes Do’s crime as “a felony involving moral turpitude.”
What’s next?
Do is scheduled to be sentenced on his felony charge March 31. After that, the State Bar Court will hold a disciplinary hearing to determine whether Do will be allowed to continue practicing law in California.
Can his daughter still become a lawyer?
Possibly. Rhiannon Do admitted to participating in mortgage fraud related to the $1 million Tustin home she purchased with kickbacks from an organization that benefited from Do’s contract awards. Her agreement with the court requires her to work and/or attend school, including preparing for the State Bar exam…