The King Is Disbarred

The California Bar Journal reports:

WILLIAM S. LERACH [#68581], 63, of San Diego was summarily disbarred March 12, 2009, and was ordered to comply with rule 9.20.

Lerach pleaded guilty in 2007 to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and make material false declarations under oath. The conviction met the requirements for summary disbarment: it is a felony involving moral turpitude. Lerach has been on interim suspension since Nov. 21, 2007.

The one-time class action king admitted in federal court to playing a part in a scheme to pay kickbacks in order to gain an advantage in lucrative class action lawsuits. He was sentenced to two years in prison and was ordered to forfeit $7.75 million. (See June 2009 California Bar Journal.)

(Mike Frisch)