California had an enforcement scandal around the same time as Vermont’s of 2023.  California’s involved: (1) not thousands of violations but hundreds; and (2) violations less widespread than VT’s, yet California did something about it.

Consistent with the Dean Kronman’s 1993 warnings about the profession’s increased inability to self-police, California’s action came only after its legislature became involved and an outside investigation occurred and its findings made public.  The public report revealed 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 other jurisdictions have literally never enforced their professed Honor Code leaves little doubt that similar changes are required in those jurisdictions as well.