Overview

The State Bar of California protects the public by licensing attorneys, regulating legal practice and investigating professional misconduct across the state. As an arm of the California Supreme Court, it oversees admission to the profession and administers the bar exam. It also distributes grants to nonprofit legal aid organizations and supports access to the legal system for people who cannot afford an attorney. Its regulatory work is funded largely by attorney licensing fees, with admissions fees and grant-related sources supporting other programs. Created by the Legislature in 1927, the agency is headquartered in San Francisco and Los Angeles.