The stunning public admission by the agency that regulates the state’s legal profession comes after a Times investigation published in March described how Girardi had kept his law license pristine despite numerous complaints against him at the State Bar as well as more than 100 lawsuits against him and his firm, many of them alleging misappropriation of funds.

(Subscription required) "I am honored that the board has selected me to lead the State Bar again at this challenging time," Wilson said in a news release. "I believe deeply in the State Bar's public protection mission and know that it demands accountability, transparency, and bold action as well as continuous improvement.

(Subscription required) California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin H. Liu joined 11 Court of Appeal justices in calling for the Legislature to reconsider a law that excludes felons over 18 serving life without parole sentences from the parole hearing provisions afforded minors with the similar serious convictions and lengthy sentences.

Ending the moratorium "could force millions of vulnerable individuals from their homes into the streets, crowded shelters, or into contact with family and friends within or across state lines," the state attorneys general said the court filing. The 22 states include California, New York, Virginia and Michigan, with the District of Columbia joining as well.