California may be the only state with an enforcement scandal like Vermont’s of 2023.  California’s was arguably less, for it involved: (1) not thousands of violations but hundreds; and (2) the violations were less widespread than VT, whose data show >30% of its lawyers witness misconduct over just a 6-month period.

Consistent with the Dean Kronman’s 1993 warnings about the profession’s increased inability to self-police, California’s change came only after its legislature became involved and an outside investigation occurred (with its findings made public).  The public report is are linked here, and includes findings of a “culture of unethical and unacceptable behavior” and “systematic organizational dysfunction that persisted for many years.” 

California also enacted a new and more rigorous Rule 8.3, with time limits preventing delays in reporting; and an explicit duty to report to BEAs or a court. 

Finally, California in 2025 appointed a non-Attorney to Chair the Bar’s oversight Board. 

The single fact that DC, VT, and virtually every other jurisdictions have literally never enforced their professed Honor Codes leaves no good faith argument that similar changes are not required in those jurisdictions as well.