Welcome to the State Bar’s 2023 annual report.

Consistent with prior years, 2023 proved to be an eventful one for the State Bar. The year began with the successful launch of the Office of the Public Trust Liaison, representing the State Bar’s first dedicated ombuds-function. Shortly thereafter, we released reports about the State Bar’s handling of complaints against now-disbarred Tom Girardi, reflecting the State Bar’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Client Trust Account Protection Program, an effort initiated by the Board of Trustees directly in response to the Girardi matter, was also formally launched in 2023. In addition, new rules were promulgated impacting both attorney conduct and the State Bar’s own: rule 8.3, requiring attorneys to report other attorneys’ misconduct, and revised conflicts-of-interest rules and related reporting requirements, to hold the State Bar Trustees and other volunteers, and staff to the highest ethical standards.

While our commitment to fulfilling our public protection mission is undeterred, the State Bar's ability to continue to function is threatened by a structural deficit and depleted reserves unable to address it. Borne of years of stagnant fees in the face of increased costs and expectations for performance, the deficit can no longer be avoided. As such, our top organizational priority is to secure a licensing fee increase for 2025.

We, the State Bar Board, leadership, and staff, are moving the organization forward into a new era―one driven by shared values and with a deep commitment to our public protection mission.

Looking forward, we need a sizable fee increase in 2025 in order to realize the vision of a well-regulated and inclusive legal profession and broad access to needed legal services. In the meantime, we invite you to learn more about our 2023 accomplishments and challenges and the positive steps the new State Bar is taking to protect the public.