Plus The Opinion Had To Be Reported To The State Bar.
A Company Hungary KFT v. Bespalov, Case No. B336640a (2d Dist., Div. 4 Aug. 4, 2026) (published) is an opinion where an appellants’ counsel was assessed with a $1,000 contempt sanction for disparaging a trial judge, without evidence, in appellate briefing. The panel found one violation was enough, although stating that multiple disparagements were made. To make matters even worse, the result had to be reported to the California State Bar.
REMINDER: Civility and respect are increasingly being enforced in California courts. As we have posted in the past, incivility can lead to decreases in fee recovery by a prevailing party’s attorney. Avoid ad hominem attacks, please, on the judiciary, opposing parties, or opposing counsel.