California lawmakers will pursue an audit of the state bar’s discipline system after the lawyer-oversight agency conceded “mistakes” in handling complaints leveled against troubled trial lawyer Thomas Girardi.

At a hearing before the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, said he will amend the annual lawyer-licensing fee bill to require state Auditor Elaine Howle to investigate whether the bar’s complaint-and-discipline process “adequately protects the public from misconduct.” The audit would be due by April 15, 2022, in time for the Legislature’s consideration of the 2023 fee bill.