State Bar of California
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Recent News About State Bar of California
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State Bar tells San Francisco DA to enter diversion program after ethics complaints from political opponents
The California State Bar has ordered San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to enter a confidential diversion program in the wake of ethics complaints filed by a former Los Angeles County Superior Court judge and others who had supported former SF DA Chesa Boudin. Jenkins had helped lead the effort to oust Boudin from office -
CBE Recommends Scoring Adjustments for February Bar Exam
As part of its commitment to finding appropriate and fair solutions for test takers during the February 2025 Bar Exam, the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) met on April 18 to make its recommendations for scoring adjustments and set a minimum raw passing score. -
Attorney General Bonta to California Attorneys: Guidance on Solicitation Limits after L.A. Fires is Available
California Attorney General Rob Bonta released information for the public and attorneys, about California attorneys’ ethical obligations after a natural disaster, like the Los Angeles fires this year. -
Board Approves Testing Locations, Vendor for In-Person July Bar Exam
The State Bar Board of Trustees has approved exam software and testing locations for the in-person July 2025 California Bar Exam as it continues efforts to improve the test-taking experience and find appropriate remedies for those impacted by issues experienced during the February exam. -
Board of Trustees Orders Independent Investigation into February 2025 Bar Exam Issues
After hearing approximately two hours of public comment at its March 5 meeting, primarily from test takers reporting serious problems they encountered during the February 2025 California Bar Exam, the State Bar Board of Trustees directed the general counsel to retain an independent investigator to conduct a privileged investigation into the issues relating to the exam. -
For Second Time, State Bar Seizes Unlawful El Monte Immigration Practice of Elena Orizabal
The State Bar of California seized the unauthorized El Monte-based immigration practice of Elena Orizabal, who has a history of offering immigration and other legal services that she has no license to provide, the Office of Chief Trial Counsel announced. -
Sixteen New Legal Organizations Earn State Bar DEI Leadership Seals
The State Bar of California announced that 16 new organizations received its DEI Leadership Seal. -
Board of Trustees Authorizes Pursuit of a California Bar Exam Development Contract with Kaplan
At its July 18 meeting, the State Bar of California’s Board of Trustees voted to authorize the Board Chair and Executive Director to negotiate terms of and, if appropriate, execute a five-year bar exam agreement not to exceed $8.25 million with Kaplan North America, LLC. -
State Bar of California Publishes Reports Outlining Fee Increase Needs
As required by the Legislature, the State Bar has published three reports detailing its funding needs to support its public protection mission in 2025 and beyond. -
State Bar Court Hearing Judge Recommends John Eastman's Disbarment
In a 128-page ruling, California State Bar Court Hearing Judge Yvette D. Roland found licensee John Charles Eastman (SBN 193726) culpable of 10 of the disciplinary charges filed by the State Bar’s Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) and recommended that he be disbarred. -
Board of Trustees Approves 2025 Fee Increase Request
At its meeting March 21–22, the State Bar of California Board of Trustees approved a request for an increase in the 2025 mandatory licensing fee of $125 per active licensee. -
State Bar of California Earns Gold DEI Leadership Seal Status
The State Bar of California announced that it has earned Gold level status in its DEI Leadership Seal Program, and the law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP has earned Bronze. -
Cal Supreme Court OKs new ethics rules to fight conflicts of interest
Newly issued rules from the California Supreme Court are designed to combat corruption and to prevent conflicts of interest like those resulting from the Thomas Girardi scandal. -
State Bar of California Sells 180 Howard Building in San Francisco
The State Bar of California announced today that it sold its San Francisco headquarters at 180 Howard Street in the Financial District to Ridge Capital Investors for $54 million. -
Bonta under fire: Cal Policy Center asks state bar to investigate AG's use of law against parents
As parents continue efforts to push for inclusion in key decisions on how their children want to gender identify, California Attorney Gen. Rob Bonta is suing to quash it, leading to a state Bar complaint that challenges the AG’s use of the legal system against parents. -
California Supreme Court rule to report attorney misconduct takes effect, to avoid repeat of Girardi debacle
A new rule from the California Supreme Court requires increased oversight among attorneys, a mandate long present in other states, and now here following high profile cases of wrongdoing including now disbarred attorney Thomas Girardi. -
State Bar of California Releases Results of Independent Investigation of Former Board Chair Sean SeLegue’s Involvement in a Disciplinary Matter Regarding Thomas Girardi
The State Bar of California released reports from an independent investigation into whether former Chair of the Board of Trustees Sean SeLegue had a disqualifying conflict of interest arising out of his involvement with a 2010 discipline case against since disbarred attorney Thomas V. Girardi. -
Agency to Implement Additional Enhancements to Strengthen Oversight, Improve Discipline System, and Prevent Conflicts of Interest
The State Bar of California Board of Trustees released two redacted reports on its past handling of complaints against disgraced and disbarred attorney Thomas V. Girardi. -
Consumer Protection Week - Public Trust Liaison Seeks to Help Public Avoid Legal Fraud
National Consumer Protection Week, the State Bar of California’s Public Trust Liaison (El Intermediario de Confianza Públicas) Enrique Zuniga seeks to create awareness about how the public can avoid legal fraud and scams, saving time, money, and―in some cases―preventing irreparable harm. -
State Bar Launches Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Seal Program
In an effort to recognize California legal employers who take vital steps to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the State Bar of California announced the launch of its DEI Leadership Seal Program.