News Releases

The California Supreme Court announced seven appointments and one reappointment to the State Bar of California’s Board of Trustees and the Committee of Bar Examiners, effective September 19.

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.  

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.

The State Bar of California’s Public Trust Liaison (El Intermediario de Confianza Pública) Enrique Zuniga announced the official launch of the Attorney-Client Bridge Program (ACBP), a program that has already proved popular with consumers and attorneys.