Proposed Amendments to State Bar Rules on Governance, Fees, and Procedures

The State Bar seeks public comment on proposed amendments to various provisions of the State Bar Rules.

Deadline: July 21, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (45 days)

Direct comments to

Comments should be submitted using the online Public Comment Form. The online form allows you to input your comments directly.

Background

On May 22, 2025, the State Bar Board of Trustees approved the circulation of proposed amendments to various provisions of the State Bar Rules for public comment. These amendments improve clarity, update outdated references, and align the rules with prior Board actions. Several provisions proposed for repeal are no longer applicable due to structural and governance changes within the State Bar.

With this approval, the proposed amendments are now available for a 45-day public comment period to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance. The proposed changes include updates to rules governing the Legal Services Trust Fund Program, procedural clarifications regarding license fee challenges, the repeal of obsolete governance provisions, and an amendment to the reinstatement petition filing fee.

Discussion/proposal

Amendments to the State Bar Rules (see pages 5-13 of Attachment B, below)

Repeal of Title 6 Provisions
Elimination of obsolete governance provisions, including rules regarding Board meetings, officer responsibilities, and referendums, which are no longer relevant due to structural changes within the State Bar.

Rule of Procedure 5.441
Amendment to update the filing fee for reinstatement petitions, ensuring consistency with the Schedule of Charges and Deadlines.

Any fiscal/personnel impact

None.

Background material
Source

Board Executive Committee and Board of Trustees

Deadline

July 21, 2025, 11:59 p.m.

Direct comments to

Comments should be submitted using the online Public Comment Form. The online form allows you to input your comments directly.