The California Rules of Professional Conduct are intended to regulate professional conduct of attorneys licensed by the State Bar through discipline. They have been adopted by the Board of Trustees and approved by the California Supreme Court pursuant to statute to protect the public and to promote respect and confidence in the legal profession. The rules and any related standards adopted by the Board are binding on all attorneys licensed by the State Bar.
On June 21, 2023, the Supreme Court of California issued an order approving Rule of Professional Conduct 8.3, effective August 1, 2023.
On October 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of California issued an order approving amendments to Rules 1.4 and 1.15, effective January 1, 2023.
On February 18, 2021, the California Supreme Court issued an order approving revised Rules 1.1 and 5.4, effective March 22, 2021.
On April 23, 2020, the California Supreme Court issued an order approving revised Rules 1.16 and 3.8, effective June 1, 2020.
On May 10, 2018, the California Supreme Court issued an order approving new Rules of Professional Conduct, effective November 1, 2018.