Transparency and Accountability
The State Bar is committed to transparency and accountability in all aspects of its work. That commitment is enshrined in the State Bar’s 2022–2027 Five-Year Strategic Plan and has led to sweeping policy changes and mandates, with more to come.
2025 Operational Metrics Report
The State Bar’s operational metrics are designed to evaluate core performance objectives such as operational efficiency, customer responsiveness, and compliance. In 2025, of the 47 metrics with performance goals, 34 metrics, representing 72 percent, successfully met those targets.
Spotlights on Transparency and Accountability
Generative AI Governance Framework provides oversight and security
In 2025, the Board of Trustees approved a comprehensive Generative AI Governance Framework to guide the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) across the State Bar. The framework establishes a structured risk-assessment rubric for evaluating generative AI use cases, in addition to legal, cybersecurity, and data handling reviews. Two complementary governance bodies—the Generative AI Review Staff Committee and the Generative AI Oversight Panel—provide oversight to ensure AI systems are used responsibly and in accordance with established protocols. The framework provides a clear oversight structure that supports the State Bar’s strategic goal to protect the public through responsible data management, safeguarding confidential information and maintaining accountability in how generative AI tools are adopted and used.
Externship program expands educational opportunities
The Office of General Counsel announced a new externship program within its Complaint Review Unit (CRU) to provide experiential learning opportunities for law students while supporting oversight of the attorney discipline process. Beginning in January 2026, externs—under close and appropriate supervision—work on CRU requests. The program helps foster the next generation of legal professionals committed to public protection and professional responsibility. By incorporating structured academic externships into its oversight work, the State Bar promotes transparency in the complaint review process and expands educational opportunities for law students interested in attorney regulation and legal ethics.
State Bar seeks modernized Matter Management System
The State Bar’s Office of Operational and Digital Transformation issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a comprehensive Matter Management System (MMS) that would use integrated technology to systematically track, organize, and process cases and issues. The proposed system would modernize case and matter management across seven offices in the State Bar, replacing several legacy platforms. A unified, enterprise-level platform tailored to the distinct needs of participating offices will help improve operational efficiency and collaboration, enhance document management and reporting, and strengthen data security.
Fresh Start helps licensees settle debt
In February 2025, the State Bar launched the Fresh Start Settlement Program, authorized under AB 3279 (Ch. 227, Stats. of 2024), as a one-time initiative that allowed current and former licensees to resolve certain outstanding debts, including discipline costs, Client Security Fund reimbursements, and monetary sanctions. Designed to enhance repayment rates while mitigating the consequences of debt, including wage garnishments and credit impacts, the program provided a structured pathway for voluntary resolution. Fresh Start generated $2.8 million from 370 completed settlements, and when combined with ongoing collection efforts, it helped the State Bar close out more than $10.2 million in outstanding debt. The program concluded on December 31, 2025.
Improved processes for high-impact contracts
Admissions reformed its procurement processes for high-impact, high-value contracts related to the California Bar Exam by requiring competitive bidding beginning in 2026—even though these contracts are generally exempt from competitive bidding requirements. As part of this effort, Admissions competitively bid contracts for psychometric services for 2026 and 2027. It also developed standardized business requirements and evaluation criteria to assess vendors’ ability to support both the First-Year Law Students’ Examination and the California Bar Exam. These reforms promote greater transparency, consistency, and accountability in vendor selection while enhancing the State Bar’s ability to secure high-quality services that support the integrity and reliability of its admissions processes.
Newly redesigned State Bar and State Bar Court websites
In December 2025, the Office of Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement launched the State Bar’s and State Bar Court’s newly redesigned public-facing websites, www.calbar.ca.gov and www.statebarcourt.ca.gov, respectively. The office incorporated feedback from stakeholders to help improve the online experience for the public, legal professionals, applicants, and others. These new websites feature user-friendly navigation, a streamlined layout, and advanced content organization—making it easier to find information. Built on modern platforms that leverage next-generation tools, the websites provide seamless mobile responsiveness, have enhanced security, and fully adhere to accessibility guidelines to ensure equitable access for all users.