Who We Are

Leadership

The State Bar is led by a Board of Trustees and managed by staff who have served the legal profession and the state in various leadership roles.

Committees and commissions

The State Bar has committees and commissions doing the important work of developing policies and procedures, including the Legal Services Trust Fund Commission, the Council on Access and Fairness and the Committee of Bar Examiners.

Government affairs

The State Bar advocates and advances policies, budgetary items, and legislative priorities while ensuring positive and effective relations with the Legislature and the governor's office. More about the State Bar's government affairs activities

Data and demographics

The community of licensed attorneys is as varied as the state itself. Read our collection of surveys, articles and data about how the demographics of California-licensed attorneys is shifting. More data and demographics about California's attorneys

Workforce Analytics Dashboard

The State Bar's Workforce Analytics Dashboard is a comprehensive tool that provides insights into the organization's workforce composition, demographics, and key metrics. The dashboard enables the State Bar to make data-driven decisions to support workforce planning, development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. To view the dashboard, please click the graphic below.

WorkfoceGraphic2



Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my files if my attorney dies?

If your deceased attorney was part of a law firm or law partnership, that firm would maintain custody of your file.

If your deceased attorney was a sole practitioner, you will need to obtain new counsel. Generally, the executor or administrator of the attorney's estate is responsible for notifying clients and returning their files. In some instances, the local superior court may appoint a practice administrator to handle these duties.

In other instances, the deceased attorney's law practice may be sold to another member of the bar. (Such sales are governed by ethical limitations outlined in the Rules of Professional Conduct).

Finally, there are unfortunate instances in which an attorney dies leaving no responsible person in charge of the law practice. In those instances, the State Bar or local county bar associations may assist in winding down the law practice (after obtaining authorization from the Superior Court).

Your first step should be to contact the law offices of your deceased attorney to determine whether your file is available. If you are unsuccessful, you may contact the State Bar Office of Chief Trial Counsel: 800-843-9053

What happens to my files if my attorney dies?

If your deceased attorney was part of a law firm or law partnership, that firm would maintain custody of your file.

If your deceased attorney was a sole practitioner, you will need to obtain new counsel. Generally, the executor or administrator of the attorney's estate is responsible for notifying clients and returning their files. In some instances, the local superior court may appoint a practice administrator to handle these duties.

In other instances, the deceased attorney's law practice may be sold to another member of the bar. (Such sales are governed by ethical limitations outlined in the Rules of Professional Conduct).

Finally, there are unfortunate instances in which an attorney dies leaving no responsible person in charge of the law practice. In those instances, the State Bar or local county bar associations may assist in winding down the law practice (after obtaining authorization from the Superior Court).

Your first step should be to contact the law offices of your deceased attorney to determine whether your file is available. If you are unsuccessful, you may contact the State Bar Office of Chief Trial Counsel: 800-843-9053

What happens to my files if my attorney dies?

If your deceased attorney was part of a law firm or law partnership, that firm would maintain custody of your file.

If your deceased attorney was a sole practitioner, you will need to obtain new counsel. Generally, the executor or administrator of the attorney's estate is responsible for notifying clients and returning their files. In some instances, the local superior court may appoint a practice administrator to handle these duties.

In other instances, the deceased attorney's law practice may be sold to another member of the bar. (Such sales are governed by ethical limitations outlined in the Rules of Professional Conduct).

Finally, there are unfortunate instances in which an attorney dies leaving no responsible person in charge of the law practice. In those instances, the State Bar or local county bar associations may assist in winding down the law practice (after obtaining authorization from the Superior Court).

Your first step should be to contact the law offices of your deceased attorney to determine whether your file is available. If you are unsuccessful, you may contact the State Bar Office of Chief Trial Counsel: 800-843-9053