At its meeting on July 20, 2023, the State Bar of California’s Board of Trustees approved proposed measures to improve the civility of attorneys who are authorized to practice law in California.
The State Bar of California Board of Trustees approved Thursday a 2024 grant distribution of more than $95.2 million from Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA), pooled trust account interest funds that support legal aid organizations serving indigent Californians. The 2024 IOLTA allocation, recommended to the Board by the State Bar’s Legal Services Trust Fund Commission (LSTFC), marks an 88 percent increase from the 2023 IOLTA grant distribution.
California attorneys safeguard nearly $14 billion in client funds through their pooled Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTAs) and non-IOLTA client trust accounts (CTAs), and proactive efforts through the new Client Trust Account Protection Program (CTAPP) are already helping attorneys ensure they are properly handling those funds, the State Bar reports.
The State Bar of California filed Notices of Disciplinary Charges (NDCs) Wednesday against former Girardi Keese law firm attorneys David Richard Lira (SB#134370) and Keith David Griffin (SB#204388), the Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) announced today.
The State Bar of California announced today that 34 legal employers are receiving the first DEI Leadership Seals in the Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers. The DEI Leadership Seal Program recognizes legal employers who implement research-driven actions that further workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. The State Bar launched the program in January 2023 in support of its strategic plan goal of enhancing access to and inclusion in the legal system.
Licensee Regulation & Compliance
Maintains, on behalf of the California Supreme Court, the official roll of attorneys—the records of all attorneys licensed to practice in California. The office helps licensees comply with their administrative requirements, including the Client Trust Account Protection Program and continuing legal education. The office also manages the registration of law corporations and limited law partnerships.
The State Bar of California and the Los Angeles Times have entered into a settlement agreement in the matter of Los Angeles Times Communications v. State Bar of California (Girardi) that is pending before the California Supreme Court. Under the agreement’s terms, the parties will jointly request that the Court dismiss the petition, which the Los Angeles Times filed in June 2021, seeking access to information pertaining to closed disciplinary cases against now-disbarred attorney Thomas V. Girardi.
The State Bar of California announced today a new paid summer Legal Aid Leaders Fellowship Program for 76 law school fellows. The State Bar’s Legal Services Trust Fund Commission awarded nearly $760,000 to 35 host legal aid providers.
Where can an attorney find out more information about the State Bar's programs and services?
Go to the Attorneys area. In addition, attorneys may call Licensee Regulation and Compliance at 888-800-3400 for questions about licensing duties and responsibilities.
