January 12, 2023

State Bar of California Appoints First External Ombuds

Enrique Zuniga has been named the Cal Bar's first Public Trust Liaison. The new Ombuds-like position will will serve as the primary point of contact for external stakeholders with feedback or suggestions, which includes developing public education programs and tools to assist the public with complaints. Communications with the Public Trust Liaison will be generally confidential. Zuniga also will be responsible for making annual reports with recommendations for systemic improvements in the state's attorney discipline system.

Zuniga has worked for the State Bar for over a decade, starting as a complaint hotline operator. After passing the California Bar Exam, he became a Deputy Trial Counsel in the Office of Chief Trial Counsel, which litigates the administrative actions against attorneys. “What I’ve learned during my time at the State Bar is that people come to us at vulnerable and difficult times in their lives,” said Zuniga. “A big part of my job as Public Trust Liaison is to help them when they hit a wall. We want to alleviate any apprehension the public might be experiencing and, within the limits of the law, get them the answers they need to resolve their issues. (Cal Bar News.)

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