COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Updates

The State Bar is closely monitoring and responding to the evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation and its potential impact on our services to the public, licensees, and applicants, as well as the health and safety of our staff.

State Bar Offices

Effective March 1, 2021, the State Bar’s offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles are open to the public on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays.

With guidance from the appropriate public health agencies, the following measures will be used for the safety of the public and our staff:

  • Appointments Required. With the exception of drop-offs at the State Bar Court or Admissions windows, please make an appointment to meet in person with staff. Staffing is limited, so appointments are required.
  • Health Screening. Visitors must not enter the building if they are sick or experiencing possible symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Face Coverings. Face coverings are required to enter the building. The definition of “face covering” has been updated to: surgical mask, medical procedure mask, N95 respirator, or a tightly woven fabric or nonwoven material of at least two layers, without holes or openings. A face covering does not include a scarf, ski mask, balaclava, bandana, turtleneck, collar, or single layer fabric. Disposable masks are provided for those who forget or do not have a face covering.
  • Hand Hygiene. Frequent hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer or handwashing is an effective way to prevent the spread.


Telephone resource center and Contact Center

The Telephone Resource Center continues to work remotely from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except for Wednesdays, 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but on reduced staffing. Inquiries from the public, licensees, and admissions applicants can best be handled by email. Please check our Contact Us webpage for the best email for your inquiry. The State Bar’s online self-service tools, such as the Applicant Portal for admissions applicants, and My State Bar Profile for licensees, will also save time on routine transactions.


Admissions

Please see the Admissions webpage for updates regarding upcoming exams and the new Provisional Licensure Program.

Board, committee, and commission meetings

Until further notice, meetings of the State Bar Board of Trustees and its committees and commissions will be conducted via teleconference and/or via Zoom technology. Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-25-20, which suspends certain provisions of the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act during this period, shall guide the operations of those meetings.

State Bar Court

Effective March 1, 2021, the State Bar Court lobby and filing window are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Parties may continue to submit pleadings electronically pursuant to State Bar Court Rules of Practice, rule 1111. The State Bar Court will continue to conduct proceedings remotely using video, audio, and telephonic means for remote appearances. 

For additional information, visit the State Bar Court Current Notices webpage.

Client Security Fund

The Fund is continuing essential business by mail and email. Please see this webpage for guidelines.

Lawyer Assistance Program

The State Bar is making every effort to continue the activities of the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) under the COVID-19 guidelines. All LAP groups have transitioned to online “virtual” groups.

Ethics hotline for attorneys

Ethics research assistance is available from the Ethics Hotline. Attorneys can request a call by using the online contact form.

Classes and events

Due to social distancing guidelines and directives discouraging large-scale gatherings, we are looking into providing online alternatives for large-scale classes and events. Those that cannot be delivered online will be postponed or canceled. If you have questions about a particular class or event, please email the office through which you registered.