Does the State Bar have a legal specialist program?
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The State Bar certifies specialists in 11 areas: Admiralty & Maritime, Appellate, Bankruptcy, Criminal, Estate Planning, Family, Franchise & Distribution, Immigration, Legal Malpractice, Taxation, and Workers' Compensation. If you have questions, please fill out the Licensee Records and Compliance Inquiry Form or call 415-538-2120.
Does the State Bar have law practice sections for attorneys?
On January 1, 2018, the State Bar’s former sections were transferred to a new independent organization, the California Lawyers Association (CLA).
May I have my administrator or paralegal respond to the audit on my behalf?
You may choose to delegate, however, you are ultimately responsible for the safe-keeping of your documentation, the accurate and timely submission of your response to the audit notice and payment of any penalties.
Can I opt out of the program after opting in?
No, once you opt in for the installment payment plan, you cannot opt out unless you are ineligible for fee scaling.
What should the monthly graded exams cover?
Your supervising attorney or judge will decide on the content of the monthly graded exams. Your supervising attorney or judge may wish to review what is covered on the First-Year Law Students’ Examination and the California Bar Examination when creating your course of study.
What supervision requirements should I be aware of for each six-month study period?
To receive credit for a six-month study period, applicants must study law under the supervision of their approved attorney or judge for at least 72 hours per month for six consecutive months, lasting at least 24 weeks and no longer than 26 weeks, as well as submit a semi-annual report within 30 days of completion for each six-month period that conforms to the State Bar requirements.
The supervisor must supervise the applicant directly for at least 20 hours per month, either in person or remotely. At least 10 of those hours over each six-month period must be in person.
How much time must I devote to pro bono activities?
The State Bar encourages attorneys to provide 50 hours of pro bono activity annually; however, even a few hours may have extraordinary positive impact on underserved individuals and groups.
Does the State Bar have information about insurance for attorneys?
The State Bar sponsors several insurance programs specifically designed to serve the needs of licensed attorneys. These programs include Workers’ Compensation insurance, life insurance, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance.
You can find more information about these programs at CalBar Connect. The website is managed by CalBar Connect, a subsidiary of California ChangeLawyers (formerly California Bar Foundation). Purchases you make through CalBar Connect provide legal services to Californians in need.
What if I submit someone else’s documentation as my own?
Submission of falsified documentation will result in a referral to the Office of Chief Trial Counsel for further investigation and/or disciplinary action.
Can I pay off my balance early?
Yes, attorneys may pay their installments in advance if they wish to complete their payments before the final deadline of October 1, 2025.
