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STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA

FACTS

D-U-N-S number: 016105154
State Bar is a public corporation
attorneys are members of the State Bar and officers of the court

What is The State Bar of California?

With more than 222,000 members (June 2009), The State Bar of California is by far the largest state bar in the country. The term ―bar association originated in the 18th century, recognizing the railing or ―bar in a courtroom, separating spectators from lawyers and the judge, who occupies the ―bench.

Nearly 165,000 State Bar members actively practice law in California, while the rest retain their licenses as inactive members. To practice law in California, applicants must pass the California Bar Examination and pay their annual membership fees to the State Bar of California.

California was one of the first states to unify its bar (1927). A unified, or integrated bar, means simply that membership is mandatory for all attorneys who are licensed to practice law in the state. More than half of the states in the country have unified bars.

For more than 80 years, The State Bar of California has shaped the development of the law, regulated the professional conduct of the state’s lawyers and provided greater access to the justice system for all citizens. Created by the state legislature in 1927, the State Bar is a public corporation within the judicial branch of government, serving as an arm of the California Supreme Court. All State Bar members are officers of the court. Over the years, the State Bar continually has responded to the demands of a changing society, educating and informing both its members and the public.

Who governs the State Bar?

The State Bar is governed by a 23-member Board of Governors. Fifteen are lawyers elected by members of the State Bar. A 16th lawyer is elected by the California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA) Board of Directors.