The practice of law, particularly in sensitive areas like probate and trusts, demands exceptional competence and communication. Attorney Tamara Noel Thomas-Mallery, admitted to the California Bar, faced disciplinary action leading to a 30-day actual suspension of her law license, effective November 6, 2025.
The sanction was imposed after Thomas-Mallery stipulated to culpability across three separate client matters, demonstrating a pattern of negligence, lack of diligence, and failure to communicate—all fundamental breaches of the ethical standards required of a California attorney.
The Charges: Negligence Across Multiple Cases
The disciplinary findings were consolidated from several cases (SBC-24-O-30147 and SBC-25-O-30150) that pointed to a clear lack of competence and diligence in handling crucial client affairs:
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Failure to Act with Competence: In a probate matter, Thomas-Mallery was found culpable for making errors in court filings and failing to complete the necessary steps after accepting an advance fee.
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Lack of Diligence: In two separate trust matters, clients experienced a significant lack of progress on their cases, despite the importance of estate planning and trust administration.
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Failure to Communicate: Across all three cases, a primary violation was Thomas-Mallery’s failure to respond to client inquiries and provide timely updates for extended periods, leaving clients anxious and uninformed.
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Failure to Account and Release Files: She also failed to provide necessary accountings for the advance fees paid and failed to promptly release client files upon request when her representation ended.
Aggravating and Mitigating Factors:
While the Court noted her 18 years of discipline-free practice and her submission of good character letters as mitigating factors, these were outweighed by the sheer volume of misconduct. The finding of multiple acts of wrongdoing across three cases demonstrated a systemic failure that necessitated the suspension to protect the public.
Conclusion: Diligence and Communication are Mandatory
The 30-day actual suspension imposed on Tamara Noel Thomas-Mallery serves as a necessary intervention by the California Bar. It sends a clear message that a pattern of client neglect, especially the failure to communicate and perform competently, is unacceptable.
For attorneys, the case underscores that diligence (Rule 1.3) and communication (Rule 1.4) are not optional elements of service; they are core fiduciary duties. Thomas-Mallery’s suspension and mandatory MPRE requirement ensure that she must address the root causes of her ethical lapses before fully returning to the practice of law, thereby upholding the Bar’s commitment to public protection.