The State Bar of California filed to place attorney Michael Avenatti on involuntary inactive status on Monday.

The move is the first step toward disbarment, said Teresa Ruano, program supervisor for the Office of Strategic Communications for the State Bar of California…

Ruano says there are still several steps before Avenatti would be disbarred but a change to “inactive involuntary status” would prevent him from practicing law in the state of California.

Avenatti has 10 days to file a response and request a hearing. If no response if filed, he will have waived his right to a hearing. The State Bar must file a status decision within 30 days of the hearing.