Izen v. Commission for Lawyer Discipline
The case concerns attorney Joe Alfred Izen Jr.'s challenge to disciplinary actions taken by the State Bar of Texas. He was disciplined by the Advertising Review Committee and the Commission for Lawyer Discipline for alleged violations of professional conduct rules related to lawyer advertising. Izen contended that these entities violated his fundamental constitutional right to due process by failing to adhere to their own procedures, expanding their investigation without notice, and initiating disciplinary proceedings without allowing him an opportunity to rectify perceived issues, despite accepting his fees. The dissenting justice concurred, arguing that the application of former Rule 7.07 was unconstitutional, as it deprived Izen of fair notice and a chance to cure violations. Consequently, the dissenting justice advocated for vacating the district court's judgment, which had favored the Commission, and dismissing all proceedings against Izen.