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.
Through the Committee of Bar Examiners, the State Bar sets admissions and educational rules that govern licensing standards, examinations and law school policies.
The State Bar has committees and commissions doing the important work of developing policies and procedures, including the California Commission on Access to Justice, 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.
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.
The State Bar is a mandatory bar. This means you must be licensed in California to practice law as an attorney. But there are more than 270 local, specialty, minority and women voluntary bar associations in California. Together we have created a dynamic partnership that spans from local bars to other state and national bar organizations.
Can the State Bar help me find a lawyer for my legal problems?
The State Bar does not refer clients to lawyers or provide legal advice. See our Need Legal Help section for resources. The bar also publishes free legal information for consumers.