The Board of Trustees (Board) and the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) held a rare joint meeting Thursday to consider and make recommendations to the proposed amendments from the California Supreme Court relating to Admissions and California bar exam oversight following a 45-day public comment period. The Board and CBE also discussed Admissions and Provisional Licensure Program (PLP) fees, and planning for future bar exams. 

The State Bar's 2024 Diversity Report Card finds that while California's legal profession continues to become more representative of the state's population―with women and people of color both representing 57 percent of newly admitted attorneys, an all-time high for representation of both groups―the attorney workforce still does not reflect the state's rich diversity.

The State Bar of California is seeking to inform former State Bar licensees that through December, they can settle their State Bar debt by paying half of the balance they owe through the Fresh Start Settlement Program. The one-year program is an offer and compromise opportunity for current and former State Bar attorneys. To participate, applicants must request a settlement through an online platform, and any approved settlement must be paid in full by December 31, 2025. 

The State Bar of California announced today a new round of applications for its DEI Leadership Seal program, which recognizes legal employers that commit to and implement research-driven actions that further workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

The State Bar published its 2024 digital annual report today, which focuses on its accomplishments and challenges in a year when the agency received its second attorney licensee fee increase in 25 years, allowing the State Bar to strengthen its regulatory capacity and fund critical initiatives.