News Releases

State Bar Executive Director's statement on annual fee bill

Contact: Laura Ernde

415-538-2283

barcomm@calbar.ca.gov

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 19, 2016 – Today the Assembly voted on new amendments to the State Bar of California fee bill, which authorizes the bar to collect annual licensing fees from lawyers. The bill still needs approval from the Assembly and then will go back to the Senate.

The following can be attributed to Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker, Executive Director of the State Bar of California:

“The State Bar is closely monitoring discussions among leaders of both Legislative Houses and the Judiciary. I’m grateful for the strong leadership of the Chief Justice in her support of the State Bar on these issues. Even so, in order to be ready for all scenarios, the State Bar is preparing a submission to the California Supreme Court to authorize the State Bar to assess fees, in the event that is necessary, though we hope it will not be.

“I would like to thank the hardworking staff throughout the State Bar for their dedication during this time of challenge and uncertainty. Our employees are the key to achieving our public protection mission and securing the continuity of our workforce is of the utmost importance. I also want to acknowledge that the leadership of the State Bar has heard the call for reform and we agree that systemic changes are needed. Last month the State Bar released its Governance in the Public Interest Task Force report, which recommended a number of reforms that align with changes sought by the legislature. State Bar President David Pasternak plans to bring those recommended reforms to the Board of Trustees for consideration.”