Catherine Ongiri, Esq.
The State Bar of California https://nbi-sems.com/pages/faculty-member/catherine-a-ongiri-1527416?srsltid=AU7gw4W6G8e8KeJ-PYx6C5KaH7JZrMJBxQ-FOnUkiRngiOGQgxnGUzKS
About The Lecturer
Catherine Ongiri, Esq. serves as Program Director for the Office of Professional Competence at the State Bar of California, where she leads statewide initiatives to promote ethical compliance and prevent attorney misconduct. She oversees the Ethics Hotline, the Lawyer Assistance Program’s support services, and the Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct, which issues advisory opinions on the California Rules of Professional Conduct. In this role, Catherine sets the vision for continuing legal education and preventative strategies that help attorneys uphold their professional responsibilities and deliver high-quality legal services. Catherine also directs the development of educational programs, policy initiatives, and resource planning to support attorneys in maintaining competence throughout their careers. Her work prioritizes practical guidance, accessible tools, and early interventions to help attorneys navigate complex professional obligations and avoid entering the discipline system.
Prior to this role, she served as Managing Attorney in the Office of Professional Competence, where she led teams responsible for ethics education, wellness services, and attorney guidance. Before joining the State Bar, Catherine was staff counsel to the Judicial Council of California’s Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness. There, she developed judicial education programs and supported statewide efforts to advance access to justice and diversity in the courts. Her earlier legal experience includes appellate practice as a Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice and as an advocate at the Family Violence Appellate Project.
Catherine earned her J.D. from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings). She regularly presents to bar associations, legal organizations, and law firms, offering education on professional responsibility, ethics, and attorney wellbeing. She is committed to building a legal profession that prioritizes integrity, competence, and public trust.
Practice Area(s)
Ethics
Professional Development
Attorney Well-Being
Education
J.D., UC Law San Francisco
