I reside out of state but decided to travel to California to be fingerprinted using a California Live Scan service. However, I was sent a rejection notice regarding my Live Scan fingerprints. What should I do?
You have two options: (1) You can return to California and follow the instructions for being re-fingerprinted by a Live Scan vendor using the same OATI number; OR (2) You can order fingerprint cards and follow the instructions for out-of-state attorneys or out-of-country attorneys.
The Live Scan vendor is requesting a rejection notice that was issued by the DOJ or FBI. How do I obtain a copy of this rejection notice? How is this information different from the State Bar–issued rejection emails?
You can email the State Bar and request a copy of your DOJ/FBI rejection notice. These notices include information on the reason why the DOJ and/or FBI rejected your fingerprints. The State Bar reviews each response and provides attorneys with a rejection email that summarizes the reason for the rejection and details the necessary steps to successfully resubmit fingerprints.
I had a bad experience with a Live Scan vendor. Can I report them to the State Bar?
Live Scan vendors are contracted through the DOJ and are not under the authority of the State Bar. Live Scan vendor complaints may be submitted to the State Bar, which will be sent to the DOJ. If you recently submitted your fingerprints through a DOJ-contracted Live Scan vendor and have had a negative experience, we encourage you to complete the Live Scan Vendor Complaint Form and email the completed form to the State Bar.
I live outside of the U.S. Will the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in my country complete the fingerprint impressions on the two fingerprint cards?
It depends. Not all U.S. Embassies and Consulates provide fingerprinting services. You should contact the embassy or consulate to confirm whether you can have your fingerprints taken. Another option will be to contact your local enforcement agency to request this service.
Will the State Bar require me to resubmit criminal information previously reported?
No. If you already reported criminal information to the State Bar in the moral character process or under the self-reporting mandate, you are not required to report the same information again.
At its July 3 meeting, the Board of Trustees discussed proposed amendments from the California Supreme Court to the Rules of Court that would update the authority and responsibilities of the Board and Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) over key aspects of admissions and the California Bar Exam.
The State Bar of California recently published new findings showing measurable progress in reducing racial disparities in the attorney discipline system, building on key recommendations from a 2019 study: “Discrepancies by Race and Gender in Attorney Discipline by the State Bar of California: An Empirical Analysis.”
The State Bar Court’s Review Department today affirmed a March 2024 decision recommending disbarment of attorney John Eastman for his misconduct related to the 2020 presidential election.
I'm a lawyer. Am I eligible to become a certified specialist?
Are you licensed with the State Bar of California? Have you practiced in your specialty area for at least 25 percent of the time for each of the last three years?
If the answer is yes to each question, then you are ready to begin the process. Once open, you can register for the exam, which will be held every other year. Please visit the information on Becoming a Certified Specialist and the specific requirements for each specialty area.
What areas are certified by accredited organizations?
The State Bar also accredits the following organizations, which certify attorneys in eleven additional practice areas:
