Frequently Asked Questions: Attorney Census

The State Bar's Office of Information Technology is responsible for ensuring all data obtained and stored is kept secure and confidential. The data collection and storage process meets industry standards for retaining information in a secure and confidential manner. Survey data is stored on a secure server behind a firewall in a location accessible only by State Bar staff.  All State Bar surveys are subject to the following confidentiality statement: 

• Use of survey results: If published, survey results will be presented by the State Bar in an anonymous and aggregate summary format only.  

• Confidentiality: The State Bar takes reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of individual responses and will not disclose those responses to third parties unless we are legally required to do so.  

• Data handling: All participant information will be stored securely and will only be accessed by authorized State Bar personnel. We adhere to applicable laws and regulations regarding the collection, use, and protection of personal information. 

• Informed consent: By participating in this survey, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this notice. You agree to the handling of your information as described above. Your participation in this survey is completely voluntary, and you may choose not to answer any specific question or withdraw from the survey at any time. 

The Attorney Census is administered online through My State Bar Profile to all active and inactive attorneys as well as those in a multijurisdictional program (such as Registered In-House Counsel). Participation in the Attorney Census is voluntary; attorneys may decline to answer any and all questions. If you have questions regarding the collection or use of this data, please contact surveydata@calbar.ca.gov. 

The questions were recently updated to reflect current best practices in data collection and to offer more inclusive options. As a result, all licensees are encouraged to participate in the survey even if you have submitted responses in the past. If you choose not to participate, any previously provided demographic data will continue to be used in future reporting. Participation is voluntary and should take less than five minutes.  

This survey is entirely voluntary: you may decline to answer any question that you prefer not to answer.

The data is used to conduct demographic analyses of the legal profession. Demographic and employment information provided by attorneys assists the State Bar in complying with California Rule of Court rule 9.9 and California Business and Professions Code sections 6002.1 and 6009.5. 

Current analyses are listed here. 

The State Bar’s statutory mission to protect the public “includes support for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system” (see California Business and Professions Code, section 6001.1). The State Bar’s Strategic Plan takes a systemic and institutional approach to increasing diversity and inclusion in the profession. A major component of this work is collecting, analyzing, and presenting comprehensive, current, and accurate data on California’s licensed attorneys through an annual voluntary Attorney Census that captures the following demographic characteristics: race/ethnicity, gender identity, cis/transgender identity, sexual identity, disability status, and military status. 

The Attorney Census also assists the State Bar in complying with California Rule of Court rule 9.9 and California Business and Professions Code sections 6002.1 and 6009.5.

After the initial submission of the updated 2025 Attorney Census, attorneys are asked to review their responses once a year. 

The State Bar welcomes any feedback you have on the survey design or survey questions. Please note that the State Bar will review your feedback, but cannot guarantee that the changes will be incorporated into future surveys. Please email your feedback and comments to surveydata@calbar.ca.gov.