What is “administrative inactive status?”

This means you are not entitled to practice California law and your public State Bar records will note this period of not entitled status.

I want to go through the streamlined approval process based on prior accommodations on a high-stakes exam. How do I submit the request?

All applicants requesting testing accommodations through the streamlined approval process must submit a complete Testing Accommodations Application through their Applicant Portal, certify they are currently experiencing the same functional limitations as when they took the high-stakes exam, and upload a copy of their accommodation verification letter. Please keep in mind that the testing accommodations application is a separate application from the bar exam application. 

Certain prior accommodations will be approved by the State Bar without the need for further documentation if all the following are satisfied:

  • The prior accommodations were approved for a permanent disability;
  • You are requesting the same (or lesser) accommodations granted on the high-stakes exam;
  • The State Bar offers equivalent testing accommodations deemed eligible for the automatic approval process;
  • You submit proof of the prior approval of accommodations granted by the testing entity;
  • You certify you are experiencing the same function limitations by the permanent disability;
  • You submit a testing accommodations application with all sections completed; and
  • Your request is not for more than 100 percent extra time, and/or a private room.

How long will it take to process my Testing Accommodations Application? Will I have time to appeal the decision, if needed?

Processing may take up to 60 days from the date your Testing Accommodations Application is deemed complete by the State Bar. If you submit an application on or close to the final filing deadline, there may not be enough time after receiving a decision to submit a request for review. However, you can submit a request for review for a subsequent administration of the exam, if needed. Early filing is strongly encouraged.

What does Ethics School offer?

Ethics School provides an overview of the California Rules of Professional Conduct and relevant provisions of the State Bar Act. It is designed to help attorneys identify and avoid common ethical pitfalls in practice. The course is self-paced and available on the State Bar’s E-learning Portal 24/7. It replaces the live monthly sessions previously offered.

What does Client Trust Accounting School offer?

Client Trust Accounting (CTA) School provides an overview of the California Rules of Professional Conduct and relevant provisions of the State Bar Act and Rules of the State Bar relating to client trust accounting. The course is designed to help attorneys understand their fiduciary responsibilities, avoid common trust accounting violations, and maintain compliance. It is self-paced and available 24/7 on the State Bar’s E-Learning Portal. It replaces the previously offered live sessions.

How do I register for a class?

You may access the course by logging in to My State Bar Profile and entering the E-learning Portal. In the “What do you want to learn?” search box, type “Ethics School” or “CTA School.” Click “Add to Cart” and complete the checkout process. The course is self-paced and available on demand 24/7. You may save your progress and return to the course at any time, prior to the expiration date. The course must be completed within 90 days of purchase.

What if I forgot my password?

You will use the same password that you use to log in to My State Bar Profile. If you forgot that password, select “Forgot password?” on that page to reset it.

How long is Ethics School, and will I receive Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credit for attending?

The course is three hours long. However, you may take it at your own pace and save your progress.

If you are taking the course as the result of being disciplined by the State Bar, CLE credit is not available. Attorneys completing the course for this purpose must submit a certificate of completion to the Office of Case Management and Supervision upon completion of the course.

If you are taking this course as a condition of an abeyance stipulation related to an Application for Determination of Moral Character, MCLE credit is not available. Individuals completing the course for this purpose must submit a certificate of completion to the Office of Admissions upon conclusion of the course.

When browsing the course catalog, select “Ethics School—The Rules of Professional Conduct.” Do not select the course that covers similar content (e.g., “The Rules of Professional Conduct”). Taking any similar voluntary course will not satisfy your mandatory obligation to complete the course, whether mandated by an order of the California Supreme Court or the State Bar Court, or required by the Office of Admissions. To satisfy a mandatory obligation, you must take the mandatory Ethics School course, which is not eligible for MCLE credit.

How long is Client Trust Accounting School, and will I receive MCLE credit?

The course is approximately one and a half hours long, but you may complete it at your own pace and save your progress.

If you are taking the course as the result of being disciplined by the State Bar, CLE credit is not available. Attorneys completing the course for this purpose must submit a certificate of completion to the Office of Case Management and Supervision upon completion of the course.

If you are taking this course as a condition of an abeyance stipulation related to an Application for Determination of Moral Character, MCLE credit is not available. Individuals completing the course for this purpose must submit a certificate of completion to the Office of Admissions upon conclusion of the course.

When browsing the course catalog, select “CTA School—Client Trust Accounting Rules and Regulations.” Do not select the course that covers similar content (e.g., “Client Trust Accounting Rules and Regulations”). Taking any similar voluntary course will not satisfy your mandatory obligation to complete the course, whether mandated by an order of the California Supreme Court or the State Bar Court, or required by the Office of Admissions. To satisfy a mandatory obligation, you must take the mandatory CTA School course, which is not eligible for MCLE credit.