About Carol

Carol Langford is an attorney specializing in legal ethics and professional responsibility — In 1998, she founded the Law Office of Carol M. Langford, where her practice centers on defending attorneys in disciplinary matters and advising on licensing issues. Her experience includes representing lawyers and law students before the California State Bar in disciplinary and admissions proceedings. Admitted to the California State Bar in 1986, Ms. Langford has actively engaged with the legal community for over three decades. Additionally, she holds membership in the District of Columbia Bar, which enhances her jurisdictional reach and expertise. Her contributions to the legal profession extend beyond her private practice.

Ms. Langford has served as Chair of both the Law Practice Management & Technology Committee and the Council of Section Chairs of the California State Bar. These roles have allowed her to influence policy and best practices within the legal community. Her expertise in legal ethics is recognized nationally, evidenced by her co-authorship of "Legal Ethics in the Practice of Law." This textbook has been adopted in law schools across the United States, serving as a foundational resource for aspiring attorneys. In addition to her written contributions, Ms. Langford authored "The Moral Compass of the American Lawyer: Truth, Justice, Power & Greed." This work further solidifies her authority in the field of legal ethics and supports her addressing the moral dilemmas faced by legal professionals. As an expert witness, she has provided testimony in various legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty cases.

Her insights have been sought in matters involving fee disputes, where she advises on ethical considerations related to fee agreements and disclosure obligations. Beyond her practice, Ms. Langford is dedicated to legal education. She has lectured and presented on legal ethics for the California State Bar, sharing her knowledge with fellow attorneys. Her leadership roles include serving as Chair of the California Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct, as well as the Ethics Committee of the Intellectual Property Section of the American Bar Association. These positions underscore her commitment to advancing ethical standards in the legal profession. Ms.

Langford's contributions to the legal community have not gone unrecognized. In 2004, she received the Woman of the Year Award for Women Who Seek Justice, highlighting her impact on the lives of women in the legal field. In 2007, she was honored with the Howard Lichtenstein Distinguished Professorship of Legal Ethics Award. Today, she continues to serve as a vital resource for attorneys handling the requirements of legal ethics and professional responsibility, ensuring that high standards are maintained within the profession.

Education

University of San Francisco School of Law

J.D. (1986) | Law

1983

California State University - San Diego State University

B.A.

Languages

English (Spoken, Written)

Experience

Lawyer

Law Office of Carol M. Langford
1998

Associate and Partner

Carroll, Burdick & Mcdonough
1992

Associate

O Melveny & Myers
1990

Volunteer Lawyer

Contra Costa County Public Defender s Office
1990

Associate

Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro (Pillsbury Winthrop)
1986

Accepted Jurisdictions

California
9th Circuit
District of Columbia
U.S. Supreme Court

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California U.S. District Court
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California U.S. District Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit U.S. Circuit Court
U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court

Types of Cases Handled

disciplinary matters licensing issues legal ethics legal malpractice breach of fiduciary duty fee disputes

Legal Services Scope

Defending attorneys Advising on licensing issues Representing lawyers and law students Consulting and testifying Lecturing and presenting Serving as an expert witness

Professional Associations

District of Columbia Bar

has membership 1989 - Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 940 Adams Street Suite J Benicia CA 94105