CALIFORNIA – The California Supreme Court disbarred Los Angeles attorney Aaron Spolin, September 11, for misconduct involving repeated collection of excessive legal fees.  

The Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) says Spolin misled inmate clients and their families regarding the potential for resentencing relief.

The Court also ordered Spolin to pay over $63,000 in restitution, plus interest, to eight clients.

Chief Trial Counsel George Cardona said California attorneys have a duty to act in their clients’ best interests.

“By preying on incarcerated individuals and their families and charging unconscionable fees for personal gain, Mr. Spolin committed egregious misconduct. His disbarment protects the public and maintains trust in the legal profession,” Cardona said.

Spolin encouraged eligible clients to pursue resentencing

Spolin faced two disciplinary charges in 2024 for taking money from inmates and families to file Assembly Bill 2942 (AB 2942) resentencing requests with Los Angeles and Orange County prosecutors. 

AB 2942 empowers district attorneys (DAs) to review past cases and recommend a sentence reduction for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional conduct, shown rehabilitation, or whose original sentence was excessive or disproportionate. 

Spolin failed to advise clients that they did not meet Los Angeles County DA (LADA) prioritization criteria, published on its website.

In addition, the Orange County DA (OCDA) would only act on requests submitted by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). 

He also ignored repeated warnings from both DAs that inmate resentencing requests would not be acted upon.

Collected $14,700 from family of man sentenced to 160 years to life

In one case, Spolin collected $14,700 from an inmate’s sister for an AB 2942 resentencing request. Her brother’s 160-years-to-life sentence for violent felonies fell outside LADA criteria. Despite this, Spolin encouraged them to proceed.

In another case, he collected $26,700 from a different inmate’s sister for a resentencing request, again disregarding LADA warnings. He also billed $28,500 to an inmate and his wife for AB 2942 services, despite multiple OCDA notices that it would only act on CDCR-submitted requests.

Spolin placed on inactive enrollment

Spolin was placed on involuntary inactive enrollment on June 20, 2025, preventing him from practicing law while awaiting the Supreme Court ruling.

The public can search State Bar Court records and documents related to attorney discipline using the court’s Search for a Case feature by entering either the case number or the attorney’s name.

Attorney discipline matters are investigated and prosecuted by the State Bar’s OCTC on behalf of the public.