Annual Reports

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.  

Other highlights include distributing a record-breaking $180.8 million in legal aid funding to support legal aid staffing and assist low-income Californians; completing a major reorganization in the Office of Chief Trial Counsel to prioritize cases involving the greatest public harm, improve efficiency, and focus expertise; and strengthening transparency and accountability through enhanced financial disclosure practices and conflict-of-interest protocols for the Board of Trustees, State Bar Court judges, and designated employees.  

“The 2024 Digital Annual Report reflects a year of meaningful progress and a continued commitment to our public protection mission,” said Erika Doherty, Interim Executive Director. “With increased resources, we’ve been able to take important steps to strengthen our regulatory work, provide meaningful attorney discipline diversion programs, expand access to justice, and reinforce transparency and accountability across the organization.” 
 
The report features three “State Bar Stories,” short videos that highlight how the State Bar impacts lives.    

Among the facts highlighted in the report are these: 

  • Total number of attorneys licensed: 274,740 
  • New attorneys admitted: 5,834
  • Legal aid funds distributed: a record $180.8 million  
  • Victims reimbursed through the Client Security Fund: 418 
  • Complaints about attorney misconduct and unauthorized practice of law handled: 18,156 (FY) 
  • Bar exam applicants tested: 12,928
  • Attorneys disciplined: 186 (FY) 
  • Nonattorney practice cases referred to law enforcement: more than 200 (FY)
  • Customer service calls handled: more than 111,000 

Sections of the report on attorney regulation and discipline, transparency and accountability, access and inclusion, and admissions highlight numerous accomplishments, metrics, and initiatives undertaken or completed in 2024.  

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The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.