The practice of law demands unwavering commitment to client matters, especially in terms of diligence and file management. Redwood City attorney Neil Babra (State Bar Number 250532), admitted in 2007, faced disciplinary action resulting in a 30-day actual suspension of his law license and a year of conditional probation.
The sanction, effective October 3, 2025, was imposed for multiple violations of the California Rules of Professional Conduct, primarily centered on a failure to perform duties and a neglect of client property (their files).
The Charges: Failure to Perform and Return Property
The disciplinary action against Babra was based on findings that he failed to meet the basic standards of competence and fiduciary duty.
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Failure to Perform with Diligence (Rule 1.3): Babra failed to act with reasonable diligence in advancing client matters, causing delays and potential harm to his clients’ legal interests.
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Failure to Return Client Files (Rule 1.16(e)): He failed to promptly return client files upon request after the attorney-client relationship ended. Client files are the property of the client, and withholding them is a serious ethical lapse that prevents clients from securing new counsel or moving their cases forward.
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Other Violations: The disciplinary findings included other related ethical failures, likely including failures of communication or failure to properly account for fees, often accompanying diligence and file mismanagement issues.
The Sanction: Suspension and Conditional Probation
The California State Bar Court imposed a sanction designed to address the pattern of negligence while ensuring his future practice is monitored. This sanction became effective on October 3, 2025.
Babra must serve an actual suspension of 30 days from the practice of law, meaning he is forcibly removed from practice for one month. Following the suspension, he was placed on one year of supervised probation. The terms of this probation require him to actively comply with all conditions and demonstrate rehabilitation to avoid further disciplinary action.
Conclusion: File Management is Fiduciary Duty
The 30-day suspension of Neil Babra underscores a critical message from the California State Bar: Diligence (moving cases forward) and file management (returning client property) are non-negotiable ethical duties.
An attorney who fails to promptly return a client’s file upon termination is viewed as withholding property and intentionally impeding the client’s legal rights. This sanction serves as a firm reminder that adherence to procedural rules and respect for the client’s rights to their own property are paramount to maintaining a legal license.
