Ninth Circuit Upholds Sovereign Immunity for California State Bar in ADA Lawsuit

The Ninth Circuit recently affirmed a ruling that the California State Bar is protected by sovereign immunity from an attorney’s lawsuit, which alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The attorney claimed the Bar failed to provide additional time to address disciplinary proceedings linked to an unsettled debt. The appellate court concluded that the State Bar functions as a state entity and therefore, retains immunity from such claims. This decision underscores the complexities surrounding sovereign immunity as it relates to state-affiliated organizations. Further details on this ruling can be explored here.