Is it a violation of the California State Bar to suspend an attorney for defending a plaintiff in a libel case?

Finally, Bushman asserts that his suspension violates his right to free speech because during the times in question he was an outspoken and controversial public figure, and he was entitled to defend attacks made by[11 Cal.3d 570] others against him in the public press. He contends that an attorney who participates in public activities will inevitably be identified with his profession, and that such identification can only reflect favorably upon the legal profession. (Citing the dissenting opinion in Millsberg v. State Bar (1971) 6 Cal.3d 65, 75--76, 98 Cal.Rptr. 223, 490 P.2d 543.)