#United States #Sacramento #Ada #Peter K. Strojnik #California State Bar

Recent Legal Developments in California

In a significant ruling, Peter K. Strojnik, a lawyer known for his frequent and often questionable lawsuits against hotel owners in California, has been suspended from practicing law for 30 days. This decision comes from the California Supreme Court's agreement with the California State Bar Court's earlier recommendation, which found that Strojnik had committed numerous acts of professional misconduct. This includes failing to submit mandatory documents related to disability access complaints and neglecting to adhere to other ethical regulations.

Background of the Case

Over the last few years, Strojnik has been notorious for filing high-frequency complaints alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) against numerous hotel owners across the state. The complaints were often seen as dubious, aimed more at extracting settlements than addressing genuine accessibility issues. The California Hotel and Lodging Association (CHLA) has been increasingly vocal about these practices, labeling them as predatory and detrimental to family-run hotels.

Lynn S. Mohrfeld, President and CEO of CHLA, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "We applaud the decision by the courts to hold Mr. Strojnik accountable for the harm he has done to California's many family-owned hotels. He is a bad actor that needs to leave the stage." This embodies a collective frustration within the hospitality industry regarding legal tactics perceived to exploit businesses attempting to comply with ADA regulations.

Consequences of Misconduct

Strojnik's suspension, which started on August 6, 2025, comes with mandatory compliance to a one-year probation period, where he must adhere to strict reporting requirements. Failing to follow these standards could lead to further disbarment. This ruling is crucial in highlighting that legal professionals are not above the law and must practice with ethical standards.

The State Bar Court's findings included Strojnik's repeated violations, stressing that his methods undermined the very purpose of the ADA – to promote accessibility and protect the rights of people with disabilities. Mohrfeld emphasized that such misconduct violates not just the rights of hotel owners but also jeopardizes the intended protections and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The Role of Advocacy Organizations

CHLA has been at the forefront, fighting against frivolous lawsuits like those filed by Strojnik for over a decade. Through initiatives like the ADA Protection Program, CHLA provides its members—those disproportionately affected by such lawsuits—with pooled resources for legal defense at a flat fee. This program has proven effective in mitigating the impacts of these high-frequency litigants.

Currently, the California Hotel and Lodging Association serves as a crucial resource for its members, representing over 6,000 hotels and more than 235,000 workers in the state. The association's advocacy for legislative change and its support for legal accountability aim to curb attorneys who exploit ADA provisions for profit.

Looking Ahead

The suspension of Strojnik serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical practices within the legal community. It also raises awareness about the need for reforms to ensure that the ADA serves its intended purpose effectively, without being leveraged as a tool for legal exploitation. As scrutiny increases on such practices, the hope is that this case will deter similar behaviors in the future and promote a fair legal landscape for businesses and individuals alike.

In summary, while Strojnik's case may represent one individual, it reflects a broader issue within the legal field surrounding ADA litigation. The legal community, supported by organizations like CHLA, continues to advocate for both businesses and individuals with disabilities to foster a responsible and just legal environment in California.