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Seal of The State Bar of California The State Bar of California

COVID-19 Updates

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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 February 1, 2021, the State Bar’s offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles are open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

  • Temperature Screening. Security will check visitor temperatures, and anyone with a fever will not be allowed to enter the building.
  • Face Coverings. A cloth mask, scarf, or bandana that covers the mouth and nose is required to enter the building. Disposable masks are provided for those who forget or do not have a face covering.
  • Maintain Physical Distancing. Please follow signs and floor markings indicating paths of travel and physical distancing instructions.
  • Hand Hygiene. Frequent hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer or handwashing is an effective way to prevent the spread.
  • 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.
     

Telephone resource center and intake hotline

The Telephone Resource Center continues to work remotely, 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.

More Information

COVID-19 Fraud Alert

California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

California Courts Status Updates Due to COVID-19

California Guidelines: Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers

California Lawyers Association Resources for Attorneys

Law Firms Affected By Natural Disaster or Catastrophic Event

American Bar Association Mental Health Resources for Attorneys

The ABA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force

Admissions

Please see the Admissions webpage for updates regarding the February 2021 Bar Exam and the new Provisional Licensure Program, which launched on November 17, 2020. The expanded program will launch no later than March 1, 2021.

Board, committee, and commission meetings

Until further notice, State Bar Board of Trustees, committee, and commission meetings 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 February 1, the State Bar Court lobby and filing window are open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 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. The following orders providing more information regarding court operations:

General Notice and FAQs regarding court events
GEN 21-01: Order Rescinding General Orders 20-02, 20-03
GEN 21-02: Order re State Bar Court Business Related to State Bar Facilities Reopening

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.

Service of legal process

Until further notice, the State Bar will accept electronic service of summons/complaints and subpoenas when the named party or witness is the State Bar or an official or employee of the State Bar in their official capacity.

We reserve the right to reject service of process where a defect in service is found. To arrange for electronic service of legal process, please contact Assistant General Counsel James Chang at 415-538-2381.

Lawyer Assistance Program

The State Bar is making every effort to continue 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. Currently canceled:

  • Ethics Symposium
  • Admission Ceremonies: The October 2020 Admission Ceremonies have been canceled. This decision reflects the current health advice for protecting the health and safety of all. We encourage you to visit the Admissions webpage, as we are updating it with new information.
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