Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find information on the annual fees? How can I change my address of record with the State Bar? What is the mailing address of the State Bar? Who can I call if I have an ethics question? What are the eligibility requirements of the program? What are the benefits of the program? Where can I find information about the California Bar Exam? Where can I find formal ethics opinions? Does the State Bar have information about insurance for attorneys? Where can I find information about client trust accounts? Does the State Bar have law practice sections for attorneys? Does the State Bar have a legal specialist program? Where do I go if I have questions about my MCLE compliance? What are the different levels of discipline that the State Bar Court imposes on attorneys? What kinds of violations typically result in disbarment and other levels of discipline? How does the State Bar handle attorney misconduct? Are State Bar investigations into attorney misconduct public or confidential? After a complaint has been filed, how long does it take for disciplinary charges? What happens to an attorney after charges are filed against them in State Bar Court? What does the State Bar do when a California attorney is convicted of a crime? What is the Client Security Fund and how does it work? What is the Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program? How does the program work? What factors are considered in fee arbitration? What is the difference between binding and nonbinding arbitration? Should I agree to binding arbitration?What happens at a fee arbitration hearing? Can a lawyer refuse to arbitrate a disputed fee? How do I request fee arbitration?May I ask for fee arbitration if I want a refund of fees I have already paid to an attorney? What is IOLTA? How does IOLTA work? What effect does IOLTA have on the owner of the funds? What do lawyers need to do to participate in IOLTA? Who is responsible for the oversight of the IOLTA program? How much money is distributed by IOLTA? How is the IOLTA grant money distributed? What programs receive IOLTA grants? What are the requirements to register as a law corporation with the State Bar? Is the guarantee the same as malpractice insurance? After I have incorporated, how much time do I have to register with the State Bar of California? What is the Limited Liability Partnership program? Is it permissible if one of the LLP's partners is also a shareholder in a law corporation and/or already a partner in another LLP? We are dissolving our LLP, how do we terminate our Certificate of Registration with the State Bar? What legal work qualifies as pro bono? Where can I find pro bono opportunities? How much time must I devote to pro bono activities? Are the Rules of Professional Conduct available online? How do I know if a legal services provider is "qualified"? Does pro bono always mean taking on an entire case? Can I be trained in an area outside my usual practice? What pro bono work can a transactional lawyer do? What pro bono work can an attorney who is retired or taking a break from active practice do? I don’t feel that I am an expert. Should I take on a client? How can I contribute financially instead of volunteering? What is a Special Master? Why are Special Masters required? How are Special Masters designated? How are Special Masters appointed? What do attorneys do as Special Masters? What are the qualifications for being a Special Master? What compensation and immunities do Special Masters receive? Are Special Masters needed in my county?What is the Lawyer Assistance Program? What guarantees do I have that my participation in the LAP will be kept confidential? What is expected of the participant while in the Lawyer Assistance Program? Are the LAP and the ADP the same? How are LAP group meetings different from self-help group meetings like The Other Bar, and why do I need to participate in both? Why are law students, State Bar applicants, and attorneys with substance use and mental health issues combined in the same group meetings? What help is available to the spouse and other family members? How can I obtain additional information about the Lawyer Assistance Program? Do I have to report my pro bono hours?Do government attorneys lose their Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) exemption by doing pro bono work? How do I transfer to active status? How do I transfer to inactive status? How do I obtain a Certificate of Standing?How do I obtain a bar card?How do I report my MCLE compliance?How do I update my current Legal Specialization certification? Does the State Bar have information about opening and closing a law practice? What about malpractice insurance? What about malpractice insurance? If I think an attorney has engaged in misconduct or malpractice, will fee arbitration help me? What is the deadline for requesting fee arbitration? Can my attorney require me to participate in mandatory fee arbitration? When do I receive the arbitration decision?