About Gary Peter
Gary Peter Oswald is a former attorney who was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1971. He earned his Juris Doctor from New York Law School the same year, starting his legal career. Prior to that, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham College in 1965. Oswald established his practice in Sausalito, California, where he served clients for several years. However, his career was marred by a series of disciplinary actions that ultimately led to his disbarment. In 1978, Oswald faced his first disciplinary action—a private reproval — This reprimand stemmed from his commingling of a client's funds with his own.
Additionally, he failed to return the client's trust funds when they were due. This early infraction set a troubling precedent for his future conduct — By 1981, the situation escalated further. Oswald was placed on two years' probation due to willful neglect of a client’s case and his failure to return unearned fees. He also misappropriated $650 from another client during this period, which compounded his legal troubles. The disciplinary measures did not deter Oswald's misconduct. In 1985, he faced another significant consequence—two years of probation with nine months of actual suspension.
This action was a result of his misappropriation of $2,667 from a client's funds. Notably, he violated the terms of his previous probation by not abstaining from alcohol or participating in a recovery program, which were conditions set to address his substance abuse issues. The probationary terms mandated both sobriety and clinical rehabilitation, highlighting the seriousness of his situation. Oswald's legal troubles culminated in 1988 when the California Supreme Court upheld the State Bar Court's recommendation for disbarment. The court noted that each prior disciplinary order had provided Oswald with opportunities to reform his conduct. His continued misconduct, however, suggested either an unwillingness or inability to change.
This ruling marked a significant turning point in his career, effectively ending his ability to practice law in California. As of February 2026, Oswald's State Bar profile indicates that his license is inactive, and he is not eligible to practice law in California. Given the serious nature of his disciplinary history and subsequent disbarment, individuals seeking legal representation are advised to consult the State Bar of California's official records. Contacting the State Bar directly is recommended for the most current information regarding Oswald's status, ensuring that potential clients are fully informed before making any decisions.
