About Us

Professional Responsibility, Legal Malpractice, State Bar Discipline Defense, Reinstatements, Moral Character Matters, Conflicts, Risk Management, Legal Ethics and Legal Expert Consulting

Who we are

Former State Bar Prosecutors Experienced in Every Stage of the Disciplinary Process

So let us begin anew — remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate. Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

– John F. Kennedy

Our Story

There is a great honor that comes with representing our fellow legal professionals. There also is a great sense of responsibility. When a client seeks guidance, support, or representation, our unique wisdom goes beyond providing a temporary bandage. We share solutions transferrable to other areas of their practice and lives.

We bring that sense of commitment to our clients because ethics is everyone’s business. While the prosecution focuses on punishment or disbarment, we are eager to put clients on the path to rehabilitation. To err is human, to learn, divine. It is how we respond to mistakes that truly defines us as individuals.

Over the course of 17 years in handling State Bar matters, we have learned several lessons about life and the law. The most important of these are integrity, empathy, and compassion, above all else.

Most attorneys who have made ethical transgressions expect judgment and condemnation – even from the professionals tasked with defending them. We take a different approach. By exercising empathy and compassion for our fellow man, we can highlight the positives and make the prosecution see the potential for growth in our clients.

Our intimate knowledge of the tactics and motivations of the prosecution helps us negotiate more favorable outcomes, and our experience allows us to view each case from a multi-faceted perspective. This has garnered us a reputation for integrity and tenacity.

We are passionate about legal ethics and are eager to continue learning about the field. Some say our passion is contagious. Our lifelong love of learning comes in handy when designing MCLE courses for law firms across the state.

When we are not in the office, we enjoy spending time with our families and exploring art galleries, and museums. We are also active members of the Junior League and love volunteering for charitable and civic organizations.

Whether you require representation in the face of misconduct allegations, support when completing your moral character application, or need guidance on a particularly challenging moral quandary, allow us to take the lead. During especially stressful career turning points, it helps to have experienced, savvy attorneys to guide you.

Firm Overview: Cha Law Ethics

Located in Orange, California, Cha Law Ethics is a private law firm that represents attorneys, judges, and legal professionals in all aspects of licensing and conduct legal matters including California State Bar investigations, formal prosecutions and reinstatements, and best practices. 

The Firm specializes in professional responsibility, legal malpractice defense, State Bar Discipline, Judicial Discipline, Reinstatements, Moral Character Matters, Conflicts, Risk Management, Legal Ethics, and Legal Expert Consulting. The Firm’s staff includes experienced State Bar prosecutors and former State Bar support staff. Cha Law Ethics’ attorneys have nearly 80 years of combined experience in assisting clients with various civil and administrative matters. The Firm is focused on educating and empowering members of the legal profession while compassionately protecting each client’s reputation and livelihood. 

The Firm’s Principal, Jean Cha, is a former State Bar of California Office of Chief Trial Counsel prosecutor with 20 years of experience. Ms. Cha has handled every type of OCTC case. Her greatest strength is her ability to assist lawyers and other legal professionals in formulating and advancing their best defense. Ms. Cha also provides services as an expert witness regarding professional responsibility, both consulting and testifying. 

In addition to the services the Firm provides directly to clients, the Firm is committed to bettering the legal profession as a whole and actively participates in events and activities designed to enrich the legal community. In 2023, Ms. Cha authored published articles on Attorney Wellness and Litigation Funding. Additionally, Ms. Cha regularly prepares and presents continuing education via MCLEs designed to elevate the legal profession as whole by educating attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals on various ethics-related issues. Some of the primary areas of focus for Ms. Cha’s continuing education offerings in 2023 were implicit bias, civility, and professionalism. 

The Firm is actively involved with like-minded organizations, including the Association for Professional Responsibility Lawyers (APRL) and the Association of Disciplinary Defense Counsel (ADDC). Ms. Cha is a past President of the ADDC and remains actively involved in the organization’s leadership and activities. Additionally, Ms. Cha encourages her staff to contribute meaningfully to the legal community beyond traditional legal work. The Firm’s attorneys are also actively involved with the American Bar Association’s Litigation Ethics and Professionalism section. 

Ms. Cha and Cha Law Ethics are deeply committed to identifying areas that require improvement and offering education, mitigation, and rehabilitation to ensure that the legal community continues to improve as a group. The Firm prides itself on providing exceptional legal services and establishing professional relationships with clients based on understanding, compassion, and mutual respect. The Firm’s client-centric approach and the extensive depth and breadth of the Firm’s combined experience all contribute to an exceptional and hard-earned reputation in the industry.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our values are the heartbeat of our culture, guiding us in every interaction and decision we make. We believe that a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is not just a “nice to have” but a fundamental responsibility of our team.

Acting with Integrity means we engage with honesty and transparency, ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected. We hold ourselves accountable to our commitments, creating a safe space for open dialogue that embraces diverse perspectives.

Being Empathetic drives us to understand the needs and feelings of those we serve. We listen actively and compassionately, celebrating the successes of our colleagues and clients alike, fostering a culture where everyone can thrive.

Acting Responsibly compels us to take ownership of our actions and their impact on others. We prioritize our commitments and foster trust through professionalism and civility, ensuring that we support one another in our personal and professional growth.

Advocating for Justice is at the core of our mission. We are dedicated to treating all individuals fairly and working tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and protections. Our self-reflection and commitment to learning about our biases empower us to enact meaningful change within our organization and the broader community.

Having an Open Mind encourages us to embrace diverse ideas and perspectives. We remain curious and receptive, understanding that learning and growth come from considering various viewpoints. This openness enhances our ability to serve our clients effectively and fosters a collaborative environment.

As a niche firm of dedicated professionals, we recognize the importance of living these values. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture that reflects our commitment to diversity and equity, ensuring that every interaction within Cha Law Ethics embodies these principles. Together, we strive to build a foundation of trust and respect that empowers us all.

We are honored to hold the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Seal from the California State Bar, highlighting our commitment to a just and inclusive workplace. Guided by our core values—integrity, empathy, justice, responsibility, and open-mindedness—we foster a culture where every individual is respected, their perspectives valued, and their contributions celebrated. Joining us means being part of a team dedicated to fairness, ethical excellence, and the empowerment of all.