I work part-time at a government agency. Do I need to report?
Yes. Business and Professions Code section 6073.2(d)(2) only applies to full-time employees or officers or elected officials of the State of California, or political subdivision thereof, or the federal government. Part-time employees are required to report either the amount of pro bono service hours provided in the past year, that they did not track their pro bono or reduced fee legal services hours, that they did not complete any pro bono or reduced fee legal services hours, or that they decline to answer.
How do I make changes to the response I submitted?
Prior to the March 30, 2026, deadline, you can make changes to your pro bono hours reporting by going to My State Bar Profile, navigating to the Summary tab (located on the top navigation bar), and selecting “Edit your Pro Bono Hours” from the Pro Bono Hours tile (located about three-quarters of the way down the page).
Does the State Bar have a program for attorneys who only want to do pro bono work?
The State Bar’s Pro Bono Practice Program (PBPP) allows attorneys who would otherwise be inactive to maintain an active license, free of fees, to exclusively provide pro bono legal services in partnership with a pro bono legal services provider. To qualify for the PBPP, an attorney must maintain an active license, submit an application annually for the program, be certified as a pro bono practice attorney, and exclusively provide pro bono legal services through an approved or qualified pro bono services provider. For more information, see the Pro Bono Practice Program webpage.
How do I track and report my pro bono or reduced fee legal services hours?
Attorneys are expected to track their own hours for the purposes of this reporting requirement. Some law firms require their attorneys to track this time already. A nonprofit with whom the attorney provides pro bono legal services may assist in tracking hours.
Attorneys are asked to report pro bono and reduced fee hours as a range (e.g., 1–5 hours, 6–10 hours, 11–19 hours, etc.). Attorneys will also be able to select 0 hours or less than 1 hour of pro bono or reduced fee legal services hours, or select the checkbox if you did not track your hours or you prefer not to answer.
Does volunteering with an LRS oversight panel count as pro bono legal services?
Possibly. Uncompensated work with an LRS oversight panel may count toward the pro bono hours requirement if it enables the delivery of legal services at a charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, or education organization in matters in furtherance of its organizational purposes as defined under Business and Professions Code section 6073.1(c)(1)(C). Licensees should use their best judgment when determining whether the work performed, particularly non-legal tasks, enables the direct provision of legal work to the indigent or other nonprofit organizations.
Does uncompensated work by volunteer attorneys at a legal aid organization or law school, or as a court mediator, count as pro bono legal services?
Yes. Uncompensated work by volunteer attorneys that enables the delivery of legal services at a charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, or education organization in matters in furtherance of its organizational purposes would qualify as bono hours as defined under Business and Professions Code section 6073.1(c)(1)(C). This includes volunteer teaching at a law school as well as volunteer mediation or arbitration services provided through a court, even when the parties are not indigent.
Does serving on the board of a local or affinity bar association count as pro bono legal services?
It depends. Service to a local or affinity bar association counts toward the pro bono hours requirement if it is legal in nature (i.e., providing legal services to the nonprofit directly pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 6073.1(c)(1)(B) or 6073.1(c)(1)(C)). General board service qualifies only to the extent that the work enables legal services to the indigent, to another “charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, or educational organization in matters that are designed primarily to address the needs of persons of limited means,” or to another “charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, or educational organization in matters in furtherance of its organizational purposes.” Licensees should use their best good-faith judgment in determining whether their non-legal board activities enable the direct provision of legal work to the indigent or other nonprofits.
Does serving on the board of a legal aid organization count as pro bono legal services?
For purposes of this reporting requirement, board service for a legal aid nonprofit would qualify because all board work with such an organization is enabling the delivery of legal services to the indigent (since these organizations primarily serve indigent California residents). Please note that some legal aid providers and other nonprofits for which attorneys provide pro bono legal services may also ask attorneys to report pro bono hours, but the definition for pro bono legal services may vary for their purposes. Attorneys should confirm definitions with the entity before reporting pro bono hours to the entity.
What are some examples of pro bono legal services?
Pro bono opportunities vary depending on the needs of the client community. Examples of pro bono legal services to indigent clients may include, but are not limited to:
Representation (full or limited scope)
Negotiation and settlement
Screening and intake
Brief service by phone or in person
Legal information or “Know Your Rights” workshops
Document preparation and review
Legal research and writing
Litigation support
Legislative research and legal analysis
What is the guidance on pro bono and reduced fee hours reporting for pro bono professionals, law school professors, and attorneys employed at law schools?
Any active licensee who does not meet one of the exemptions in Business and Professions Code section 6073.2(d) is required to report the amount of pro bono service hours provided in the past year, including pro bono professionals, law school professors, and attorneys employed at law schools. Attorneys are asked to provide their best, good faith effort at reporting the amount of pro bono and/or reduced fee legal services hours provided to low-income individuals, nonprofit organizations, or public law libraries during the past year to meet the requirement of Business and Professions Code section 6073.2. Even licensees who are exempt from reporting their pro bono hours must declare their exemption status in My State Bar Profile.
How do I file a complaint against my lawyer or a lawyer referral service?
If you believe your lawyer has done something wrong, you can file a complaint with the State Bar. Complaints may be submitted online or by mail. If you have questions or need assistance in completing the form, call the State Bar’s Attorney Complaint Hotline at 800-843-9053. For more information on reporting a lawyer to the State Bar and handling other problems, read the legal guide If You Have a Problem with an Attorney.
If you have a complaint about a certified or uncertified LRS, you can file a complaint against the service with the State Bar. In order to promote public protection, the State Bar will review your complaint to determine if the LRS has violated Business and Professions Code Section 6155 and State Bar Rules.
For more information on certified lawyer referral services, contact LRS@calbar.ca.gov.
When are the annual fees due?
The due date is by March 30, or the next business day if that date falls on a weekend or holiday, each year during the annual license renewal process. The 2025 annual deadline is April 1, 2025. If you miss the deadline, you will be charged a penalty ($103 for active attorneys, $31 for inactive attorneys).
What activities qualify for general MCLE credit?
Activities that qualify for general MCLE credit must: (1) relate to legal subjects that are directly relevant to California attorneys, and (2) offer current, significant educational, professional, or practical content with the specific objective of increasing each participant’s professional competency as an attorney. Programs created primarily for nonattorney audiences (for example, general public, clients, or business staff) do not qualify and will not be approved for general MCLE credit. More on Standards for MCLE activity Approval.
What is IOLTA?
IOLTA stands for Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts. Attorneys deposit client funds that they plan to hold briefly, or that are too small to earn interest for the client, into larger shared accounts. Over 73,000 attorneys make deposits in approximately 49,000 IOLTA accounts in California. As of September 2019, IOLTA accounts hold nearly $5 billion. Any interest earned on these accounts is paid by financial institutions to the State Bar, which in turn distributes those funds as grants to qualified nonprofit civil legal organizations throughout the state.
Refer to the State Bar’s IOLTA FAQ page for more information.
The State Bar’s mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system. Additionally, the State Bar of California’s strategic goals include “promot[ing] diversity and inclusion in the legal system.”
What percent of candidates have been found not qualified?
2025: 9.9 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2024: 8.7 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2023: 15.1 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2022: 8.7 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2021: 11.1 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2020: 6.5 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2019: 8.1 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2018: 7.2 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2017: 7.9 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2016: 5.5 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2015: 7.9 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2014: 7.1 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2013: 10.7 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2012: 13.82 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2011: 6.36 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
2010: 9.13 percent of candidates were rated not qualified.
Do I have to pay online?
The State Bar encourages individual licensees to pay their annual fees online through My State Bar Profile. When it is necessary to mail a payment, you must include either a copy of your invoice which can be generated online in your profile, or a copy of your fee statement, which is available to download in My State Bar Profile. The only exception to this is if your payment clearly indicates your bar number and VAK (your VAK is an additional bank validation code provided on your invoice and fee statement).
Failure to include a copy of your invoice or fee statement with your mailed payment may result in your payment being rejected and subject you to nonconforming payment penalties.
The State Bar no longer accepts cash payments, and we do not accept payments in person or over the phone.
Attorney Discipline on State Bar Website and Expungement of Attorney Discipline Records
The commission explored policy issues relating to public access to attorney discipline history and expungement of discipline records.
With regards to posting discipline history, the Ad Hoc Commission on the Discipline System found that:
Although there is no statutory or rule requirement that the State Bar display public discipline history on the licensee’s attorney profile page on the State Bar’s website, the State Bar has chosen to facilitate the public’s right of access to attorney disciplinary records posting it; and
There is currently no time limit on how long such information is posted, contrary to the practice of other similarly situated state agencies, such as the Medical Board of California.
With regards to discipline record expungement, the Ad Hoc Commission on the Discipline System found that:
Despite the existence of Business and Professions Code section 6092.5(e), which states the State Bar shall “Expunge the records of the State Bar as directed by the California Supreme Court” there is no formal process for attorneys to petition the Supreme Court for expungement.
As a result, the commission recommended that the Board of Trustees:
Adopt the following timelines for removal of the attorney discipline from the website attorney profile page and for expungement of attorney discipline records:
Private reproval: One year of when conditions are met.
Public reproval: Three years.
Probation with stayed suspension: Three years of conclusion of probation.
Probation with actual suspension: Five years from reinstatement.
Disbarment: Public indefinitely (no change).
Eligibility for expungement of the attorney discipline record would be based on no new discipline or active investigations during the period, and payment of all restitution.
Where can I find contact information about various offices of the State Bar?
How can I find out the status of an attorney with the State Bar?
You can use the Attorney Search feature. Each attorney profile provides contact information, indicates whether the attorney is currently active and entitled to practice law, and has information on whether the attorney has ever been disciplined by the State Bar for professional misconduct.
What if I have been the victim of an immigration consultant or unlicensed legal provider?
If you feel that you have been victimized by someone who is not licensed to practice law, you can file a complaint with the State Bar so that we can investigate. There is no charge to file a complaint. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, and the State Bar will not ask about your citizenship or immigration status.
What does the JNE Commission do to gather information about a proposed candidate?
The commission investigates all statements made in the candidate's Application for Appointment that the candidate submits to the Governor's office. In addition, confidential comment forms are sent to the following:
a. 50 to 75 names of persons provided by the candidate, who are reasonably likely to have knowledge of the candidate's qualifications (personal list);
b. a broad cross-section of the names of attorneys in the counties and the areas of law in which the candidate practices;
c. all judicial officers in each county where a candidate practices and seeks appointment, except for the County of Los Angeles;
d. at least 50 percent of all judicial officers if the candidate practices in the County of Los Angeles, and all judicial officers in any other county where the candidate seeks appointment;
e. all names listed in the candidate's Application for Appointment;
f. all justices of any appellate district where a candidate practices and all justices of the California Supreme Court;
g. all or at least 50 randomly selected prosecutors and criminal defenders, whichever number is less, in any county where a candidate practices criminal law and any other county where the candidate seeks appointment.
h. 75 names selected at random from the commission's mailing list.
The objective is to obtain a return of at least 50 Confidential Comment Forms that provide information that is sufficient and credible for a fair evaluation.
When was JNE established? Who handled its function before its existence?
JNE was a pilot program in 1979. It was established pursuant to Government Code section 12011.5, effective January 1, 1980. Prior to creation of the commission, the Board of Trustees evaluated candidates.
Does workplace sexual harassment training qualify for MCLE credit?
Courses required by AB 1825 (mandatory sexual harassment awareness and prevention training for personnel managers) are approved for recognition and elimination of bias MCLE credit.
Is it possible to get my podcast approved for MCLE credit?
Yes, however, a live podcast can only be approved retroactively. A prerecorded podcast may be approved in advance of air date if a transcript of the podcast is submitted as part of the application.
Can the same instructional time be applied to two different subfields?
No, the same instruction time cannot be allocated to more than one subfield. The instruction time can, however, be divided among multiple subfields.
What are the criteria for fee scaling?
Any active status attorney who can demonstrate total 2024 gross annual individual income from all sources of less than ($60,478.35) may qualify for a 25 percent reduction in their annual license fee.
The State Bar may conduct a random audit of scaling applications during the billing year and applicants may be required to submit tax forms and other proof of financial condition.
Can I qualify for fee scaling if I’m on inactive rate for 2025?
No, only those paying the active rate qualify for fee scaling.
What platform will be used for the Fresh Start Settlement Program?
The State Bar is using eConciliador to administer the Program. eConciliador is a secure online platform that helps settle claims efficiently and quickly.
Do I need to provide proof of my financial situation to receive a settlement offer?
No, you don’t need to provide any financial documents to receive an offer to settle for less than what you owe. For attorneys not allowed to practice law as of January 1, 2025 and who cannot afford the settlement offer, the State Bar will ask for more information to determine if extreme financial hardship should be considered in accepting a lower settlement for collections purposes only.
What happens to my payment plan with FTB, or my garnishments through FTB, if I settle through the Fresh Start Settlement Program?
When you sign the Settlement Agreement, the State Bar will recall your debt from FTB within two weeks. Any payments already in transit from FTB to the State Bar at that time belong to the State Bar and will not be refunded to you.
Why were these debts not discharged in my bankruptcy proceeding?
Please email collections@calbar.ca.gov for information on how the outcome of your bankruptcy proceeding affected debt owed to the State Bar.
What types of employers are eligible to apply for the DEI Leadership Seal?
Employers, regardless of sector, that employ California-licensed attorneys are eligible to participate in the DEI Leadership Seal Program. This includes, but is not limited to, law firms of all sizes, in-house legal departments, legal academia, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies with attorney staff.
My employer is already a seal recipient. What documentation is required to remain in the program?
DEI Leadership Seal recipients must submit an annual attestation form to confirm that they continue to have at least five of the ten Action Items implemented. Current seal recipients must submit the DEI Leadership Seal Attestation form annually.
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