Under what circumstance must a lawyer self-report ethical issues?

A lawyer is required to self-report ethical issues primarily when they are sued for malpractice three times within a twelve-month period. This requirement stems from the understanding that numerous malpractice claims may indicate a pattern of conduct that could raise questions about the lawyer's competence or ethical behavior. Such a pattern can signal potential violations of professional conduct rules, which the State Bar of California expects lawyers to disclose as part of maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.

Other circumstances presented in the answer choices do not create an obligation for self-reporting. For example, being charged with any misdemeanor may not always pertain to the professional conduct of the lawyer specifically unless it directly relates to their ability to practice law. Losing a significant case, while potentially distressing, does not typically involve ethical misconduct or professional liability warranting self-reporting. Similarly, a disagreement with a client is a common occurrence in legal practice and does not inherently imply any ethical violation that needs to be reported. Therefore, the obligation to self-report is specifically tied to the frequency of malpractice claims, underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency in the legal profession.