The State Bar seeks public comment on amendments to California Rule of Court 9.7. The amendments would require most attorneys to submit a one-time declaration to the State Bar affirming that they will conduct themselves with civility and require all attorneys to complete a civility pledge on an annual basis.
Deadline: March 1, 2023, 11:59 p.m.
Comments should be submitted using the online Public Comment Form. The online form allows you to input your comments directly and can also be used to upload your comment letter and/or other attachments.
With a few exceptions, State Bar licensees who were admitted after June 2014 have completed an oath on admission to practice law that concludes with a civility pledge–“As an officer of the court, I will strive to conduct myself at all times with dignity, courtesy, and integrity.” This civility pledge is required by California Rule of Court 9.7. Since this requirement is relatively new, most licensees have not sworn this civility pledge. Also, it has not been sworn by any specially admitted attorneys who are authorized to practice law in California, including registered in-house counsel, registered military spouse attorneys, certified law students, registered foreign legal consultants, registered legal aid attorneys, and others.
The proposed amendments to California Rule of Court 9.7 would require all active licensees who took the attorney oath without the civility pledge and all specially admitted attorneys to submit a declaration affirming their commitment to the civility pledge by February 1, 2024. An inactive licensee would be required to submit the declaration when returning to active status. Additionally, all licensees and specially admitted attorneys would be required to take the civility pledge annually when paying annual licensing or registration fees.
The proposed rule would direct the State Bar to develop rules and procedures related to implementation of these amendments. These rules and procedures would set forth how an attorney would submit the initial declaration and annually take the civility pledge, as well as when an attorney must demonstrate compliance.
An attorney who, if required, failed to submit the initial declaration or an attorney who failed to affirm the annual civility pledge in the manner established by the State Bar would face possible late fees and eventually be placed on involuntary inactive enrollment or would have their special admissions registration suspended or terminated.
None
Board of Trustees
March 1, 2023, 11:59 p.m.