Promoting justice has been a cornerstone of the State Bar of California’s mission since it was created by the California Legislature in 1927. Over the years, the State Bar’s role has grown beyond that of licensing attorneys to include promoting access to justice for the people of California, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and the courts.
In 1972, the State Bar created the Client Security Fund to reimburse consumers who have lost money or property because of attorney misconduct.
In the early 1980s, the State Bar began to administer a fund that provides legal services for Californians who are in the greatest need. In the same decade, the State Bar created the nation’s only full-time professional State Bar Court to hear discipline cases.
With the help of the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation, the State Bar ensures that judges who serve on courts throughout the state are well-screened and ethical.