The State Bar offers many resources, including ethics opinions, education programs, and research tools that can aid you while you practice law. These resources are intended to encourage ethical practice and prevent and discourage attorney misconduct.
The Ethics Hotline is a confidential research service for attorneys seeking guidance on their professional responsibilities.
To receive immediate research assistance, call the Ethics Hotline at 1-800-238-4427 (in California) or 415-538-2150. The Ethics Hotline is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–noon PT to speak with a live agent. Ethics Hotline staff are also available Monday through Friday from noon to 4:00 p.m. to address Ethics Hotline Research Assistance Request Form submissions. An Ethics Hotline staff member will call you regarding you request form within 1-2 business days. The request form inbox is monitored daily by Ethics Hotline staff and call backs are returned in the order received.
If this is a time-sensitive matter, involving potential imminent physical harm or if you are in court and a judge needs a response immediately, call 415-538-2148.
If you have already called the hotline, we value your feedback. Please complete the hotline satisfaction survey about the Ethics Hotline.
Additional information regarding law practices affected by natural disasters or catastrophic events can be found on the Ethics News webpage.
The following selected resources are not published by the State Bar of California. Purchase may be required.
Each self-assessment is eligible for 1-hour of MCLE self-study credit.
These self-assessments are designed to help lawyers reflect on practice strengths and weaknesses, and to better serve their clients. The goal of the self-assessment is to boost competence, efficiency, and the quality of legal services by preventing issues before they arise. After answering each question, you will receive feedback containing references to resources that can help you improve your performance with respect to the topic covered by the question. The answers you provide are for your use and viewing only. Individual user data will not be shared.
To receive MCLE credit, download the certificate upon completing the self-assessment. You will not be able to do so, after closing out of the self-assessment.
The State Bar has plenty of information that can help you manage your client trust accounts.
You may subscribe to the Office of Professional Competence's email list to receive notifications regarding the work of our office, including the circulation of ethics opinions and rules for public comment, publications, educational events, and more.