State Bar of California Launches 2019 Digital Annual Report Thursday, September 24, 2020 Categories: News Releases The State Bar has launched an innovative digital annual report spotlighting the agency’s accomplishments and progress in 2019, a pivotal year that featured measurable progress in meeting its expansive mission of public protection. “Californians need and deserve access to a legal system that serves them with integrity and fairness. In the wake of the many challenges 2020 has brought to Californians, the State Bar’s mission of public protection, access, and diversity is more critically important than ever,” said Donna S. Hershkowitz, Interim Executive Director. “Though launch of this annual report was delayed by the impact of the pandemic on the work of our agency, we are publishing it now to re-establish a tradition of public annual reports, supporting our strategic goals of accountability and proactive communication.” The report outlines progress in the second year since the State Bar transitioned to a purely regulatory agency focused on public protection. Among the fast facts it contains that highlight the size and scope of the nation’s largest State Bar are these: Total number of attorneys licensed: 256,000 New attorneys admitted: 5,145 Legal aid funds distributed: $62 million Victims reimbursed through the Client Security Fund: 718 Complaints about attorney misconduct received: 20,337 Bar exam applicants tested: 13,400 Attorneys for whom the State Bar Court recommended or imposed formal discipline: 532 Nonattorney practice cases referred to law enforcement: 335 Customer service calls handled: 162,000 Sections of the digital report relating to attorney regulation and discipline, access, diversity and inclusion, and admissions highlight numerous accomplishments, metrics, and initiatives undertaken or completed in 2019. ### Follow the State Bar online Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system. Previous Article Next Article