Local News in Brief : San Diego

The State Bar of California opened a hearing Monday in San Diego to determine whether to take over the practice of a local attorney who has been the target of many complaints from former and current clients.

If a State Bar referee conducting the hearing concludes that lawyer Richard Degallegos is unfit to continue representing his clients, bar officials will seek an order from a Superior Court judge allowing them to take over his law practice. If such an order is granted, volunteer attorneys from San Diego will take over his cases.

Degallegos could also face punishment from the State Bar, ranging from a private reproach to disbarment.

On Monday, Referee David Perrine heard testimony from a handful of witnesses, including clients of Degallegos and fellow attorneys. Degallegos was not present for the hearing, which continues today.

Degallegos is the subject of investigations by the San Diego County district attorney’s office, a federal grand jury and the State Bar. Complaints against Degallegos range from his alleged failure to make court appearances to accusations that he misappropriated client funds.

A State Bar spokeswoman said the organization usually takes over a law practice when an attorney has died, has been stripped of a license to practice or has resigned.