On Thursday, February 15, 2024, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that a former Contra Costa County judge who was removed from the bench in 2019 for sexual harassment has been allowed to resume practicing law.
John Laettner served as a judge in Contra Costa County for over a decade after being appointed by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. However, in 2019 the Commission on Judicial Performance found that Laettner had engaged in inappropriate conduct towards female attorneys and staff in the courtroom for over 10 years. This included regularly commenting on their appearance, making inappropriate remarks, and other behavior considered undignified and harassing. As a result, Laettner was removed from his position as a judge. He was also prohibited from practicing law by the State Bar of California.
In 2021, Laettner attempted to regain his law license but was denied as the State Bar Court found he did not fully understand the wrongfulness of his past actions. However, Laettner reapplied again last year and provided evidence that he had undergone therapy to address the issues. He was evaluated by his therapist and several former judicial colleagues, who said he seemed humbled and remorseful. Laettner also volunteered in his community at a library, food bank, and with Habitat for Humanity to demonstrate his commitment to positive change.
As a result, in August 2023 the State Bar Court approved Laettner’s reinstatement, stating that Laettner has “expressed insight and remorse for his behavior relating to gender bias and workplace harassment.” On February 14, the California Supreme Court also agreed to restore his law license based on the Bar Court’s decision. Laettner’s lawyer indicated he may now practice family law or civil cases out of an office in Walnut Creek.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
