State Bar Suspends Three Texas Attorneys
The State Bar of Texas released its November disciplinary report, showing three attorneys suspended and several others resigning in lieu of discipline.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Financial Crime
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The State Bar of Texas released its November disciplinary actions report, showing three attorneys suspended. Several other attorneys resigned in lieu of discipline.
Why it matters
The disciplinary actions show how the state bar enforces client-fund and financing-related obligations against attorneys. The sanctions range from active to fully probated suspensions, with restitution and fee orders attached.
The sanctions are final as reported: Purtha received a three-year active suspension, Williams a nine-month fully probated suspension, and Zarka a three-year fully probated suspension. The report does not address whether further appeals or related civil claims are pending.
The players
State Bar of Texas
The State Bar of Texas is the state agency that licenses and disciplines attorneys practicing law in Texas.
The details
Paul Lucas Purtha was hired in July 2013 to represent a client in a personal injury case and repeatedly failed to pay a pre-settlement financing firm its share of settlement proceeds after the case settled in August 2017. An arbitration award ordered Purtha and his firm to pay the financing firm $12,003, and Cynthia L. Williams was ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution after failing to promptly comply with a client's information requests in a probate matter.
Timeline
July 2013: Purtha hired to represent a client in a personal injury case.
August 2017: The personal injury case settled.
June 24: Jennifer Ann Zarka accepted a three-year fully probated suspension.
Sept. 22: Purtha received a three-year active suspension.
Sept. 25: Williams received a nine-month fully probated suspension.
Legal Context
Texas publishes its attorney discipline actions through the State Bar's periodic reports, which show a mix of active suspensions, probated suspensions, and resignations in lieu of discipline. These reports document how the state handles attorney misconduct involving client funds and restitution.
Clients who hire Texas attorneys can check disciplinary status through the State Bar, since the sanctions here involved unpaid settlement shares and client fees. The restitution orders show that unpaid third-party amounts can lead to direct financial penalties for the lawyer.
The takeaway
Clients should confirm settlement disbursements in writing and track how their attorney handles third-party financing agreements. Disciplinary reports are a practical way to check an attorney's record before hiring.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Financial Crime reporting on attorney misconduct involving client funds in Texas.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Legal Newsline.
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