Formal hearings were scheduled to commence, and did commence, on March 17, 1976. Appellee Carr is acting as the State Bar's "Trial Examiner" for the purpose of prosecuting the proceedings against Rosenthal. Prior to the commencement of the formal hearings, Rosenthal applied to the State Bar for appointment of counsel to represent him alleging 1) that he was financially unable to retain counsel and 2) that his health prevented him from being able to adequately represent himself. The State Bar denied the application and the Supreme Court of California denied interim review.