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.
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.
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
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
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.
The State Bar of California is the regulatory arm of the California Supreme Court responsible for licensing and disciplining attorneys. Read about the State Bar's mission.
Go to the Attorneys area. In addition, attorneys may call Licensee Regulation and Compliance at 888-800-3400 for questions about licensing duties and responsibilities.
Go to the Public section.
The State Bar of California licenses more than 250,000 attorneys. For more details, go to Bar Numbers.
By statute, the State Bar is required to maintain certain information about California attorneys. Go to Look Up A Lawyer and follow the directions. For information about hiring an attorney, see our Need Legal Help section.
The State Bar does not refer clients to lawyers or provide legal advice. We certify lawyer referral services and provide an online directory of certified lawyer referral services in your area who may be able to help you find a lawyer. Please see our Need Legal Help section for resources. The State Bar also publishes free legal information for consumers.
You can file a complaint online. If you prefer, you can download a complaint form, fill it out, and return it by mail. If you have questions about what information to provide on a complaint form, please call 800-843-9053.
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
Information about becoming an attorney is in the Admissions section. There you'll find additional information about getting a legal education. You can also find information about taking the California Bar Exam.
You can find information about Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) compliance requirements and providers.
The State Bar's Judicial Nominees Evaluation Commission (JNE) reviews the qualifications of judicial nominees submitted by the governor of California. Find additional information about JNE, including how to serve on the commission.
The Contact webpage lists offices and phone numbers.