$10,000, wow what a shocker! I don't know how anyone who can afford to live in California could ever expect to pay such a fine. I expect the lawyer will soon have to declare bankruptcy.

It the first of its kind and I would wager is more of a warning shot. 10k on a case may not be much but tens of thousands multiplied by hundreds of cases won't be negligible for a lawyer or a small firm. Not to mention the prospect of loss of case and reputation and consequently future business due to such actions.

Most lawyers don't make great income. This could be substantial for him if he has to pay it personally.