The State Bar seeks public comment on proposed Standards for Certification and Recertification in Privacy Law, a proposed new legal specialization area.
Deadline: September 11, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (90 days)
Comments should be submitted using the online Public Comment Form. The online form allows you to input your comments directly.
At its May 22-23, 2025, meeting, the Board approved the circulation of proposed Standards for Certification and Recertification in Privacy Law for a 90-day public comment period, based on the California Board of Legal Specialization’s (CBLS) recommendation to establish Privacy Law as a new State Bar legal specialization.
CBLS is responsible for administering the program for certifying legal specialists. CBLS recommends program rules, provides policies and guidelines for the certification of legal specialists, develops testing and legal education criteria for specialists, and advises the Board of Trustees on the establishment of new specialty areas.
The proposed Privacy Law specialty area was initiated by a request submitted by practitioners who believed there was a consumer need and significant interest from practicing attorneys.
In September 2021, the CBLS established the Consulting Group on the Establishment of a Legal Specialization in Privacy Law (PLG) to further research the need for, and interest in, a new specialty in Privacy Law. The PLG conducted a comprehensive review and met with representatives from organizations, including the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), the California Lawyers Association (CLA), and the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.
This research resulted in the proposed Standards which:
Following a 90-day public comment period and Board approval, the Standards will be incorporated into the Legal Specialization rules.
Developing the Privacy Law exam will cost $75,000, with ongoing maintenance required. About 500 initial candidates are expected, generating $250,000 in fees and over $150,000 annually thereafter. Development costs will be recovered, but revenue won’t start for two years.
Board of Trustees
September 11, 2025, 11:59 p.m.