Proposed Amendments to State Bar Rules Regarding the Client Security Fund
The State Bar seeks public comment regarding proposed amendments to Client Security Fund rules (Title 3, Division 4, Chapter 1 of the Rules of the State Bar of California), which seek to clarify procedural requirements, improve readability and consistency, and clarify what aspects of the administrative record are confidential.
Deadline: September 10, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (45 days)
If you have any problems viewing information regarding public comment opportunities (e.g., links to documents are broken) or submitting a public comment via the online form, please let us know by sending an email to secretariat@calbar.ca.gov. In addition to accepting comments via the online form, the State Bar accepts public comments via email; you may email your public comment to secretariat@calbar.ca.gov.
Background
The Client Security Fund (CSF) is a limited and discretionary fund created by the Legislature in 1972 and codified in Business and Professions Code section 6140.5. It was established to mitigate financial harm caused by the dishonest conduct of California attorneys. (Bus. & Prof. Code § 6140.5.).
State Bar Rules 3.420 through 3.461, located in title 3, division 4, chapter 1 (CSF Rules), currently govern the CSF and the entire reimbursement process. For example, the CSF Rules set forth how proceedings are initiated, including requirements for applicants, how applications are screened, who may investigate applications, and the requirements the applicant must meet for reimbursement. Further, the CSF Rules provide for a quasi-judicial administrative process in which the applicant and the attorney have notice and an opportunity to be heard before a final decision is made on the application. The CSF Rules also specify that reimbursement is discretionary and that the Commission and CSF counsel have the discretion to deny or limit reimbursement.
Discussion/proposal
The CSF’s proposed amendments to the existing CSF Rules clarify procedural requirements, reorganize several rules for improved readability and consistency, and introduce a new definitions section, Rule 3.410. The revisions also streamline CSF administration, strengthen due process protections by providing clearer procedural guidance and standardized timelines, and ensure the rules remain aligned with current CSF practices and statutory authority. The proposed amendments also clarify the roles of the Commission and designated CSF staff, including CSF counsel as now defined in Rule 3.410, in administering the fund.
If you have any problems viewing information regarding public comment opportunities (e.g., links to documents are broken) or submitting a public comment via the online form, please let us know by sending an email to secretariat@calbar.ca.gov. In addition to accepting comments via the online form, the State Bar accepts public comments via email; you may email your public comment to secretariat@calbar.ca.gov.
