This section provides resources to support licensees at key stages of their professional lives, from building and managing a practice to planning for transition and continued service. The materials are designed to promote ethical, sustainable, and informed career development throughout an attorney’s professional journey.
Practice management templates
The State Bar’s Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program designed several templates that attorneys can use in their daily practice. Please see the following resources below.
Attorney succession planning materials are intended to help licensees prepare for an orderly transition of their practice in the event of retirement, incapacity, or an unexpected absence. These resources emphasize protecting clients, complying with ethical and legal obligations, and ensuring the continuity of legal services.
Closing or selling a law practice
Please see additional resources regarding closing or selling a law practice below.
This section is a collection of resources addressing attorney professional responsibility issues related to succession planning, including those that arise in connection with retirement, disability, and death of attorneys. The resources include rules, advisory ethics opinions, articles, publications, and MCLE programs. Most of the links to these resources are internal links to other State Bar pages. Please note that some of the resources are external links to local or out-of-state bar association and other websites.
The State Bar’s Pro Bono Practice Program allows retired attorneys, as well as those taking a temporary break from the active practice of law, to assist low-income California residents on a pro bono basis.
The California Pro Bono Portal is a statewide portal that allows legal aid organizations across the state to post pro bono opportunities for potential volunteers to review and express interest in. The portal was launched in 2024, and new opportunities are added regularly.
The State Bar also has a Pro Bono Opportunities Directory for attorneys and advocates interested in finding volunteer opportunities. The programs listed are nonprofit legal services organizations that receive funding through the State Bar Legal Services Trust Fund Program.
Professional Pathways
Professional Pathways is a developing resource designed to support California licensees as they explore and enter specific areas of legal practice. Each Professional Pathway will offer practical guidance on building competence in a practice area, including an overview of the work, relevant ethical considerations, recommended education and experience, and available professional resources.
This program is currently under development, with additional pathways and materials to be added over time.
