Public Comment

The public and attorneys have an opportunity to submit written comments about policy issues before the Board of Trustees. These issues may include proposals such as amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct and ethics opinions. Please note that comments and materials received will, in full, become part of the public record. Comments may be directed to the address listed on each proposal.

To receive email notifications about upcoming public comment opportunities, please use the signup form at the top of this webpage. For further questions please email communications@calbar.ca.gov.  

Proposed Amendments to Rules of Procedure Related to Probation

The proposed amendments will add authority for the Office of Chief Trial Counsel, in addition to probation, to bring motions to terminate probation early, modify conditions of probation and revoke probation.

Proposed Amended Rule of Professional Conduct 7.3

The State Bar seeks public input on Proposed Amended Rule of Professional Conduct 7.3.

Proposed Program to Allow Waivers of Filing Fees and Waivers of Transcript Costs in State Bar Court

The State Bar seeks public comment on amendments to the Rules of Procedure to allow waivers of filing fees and to allow waivers of the requirement to pay transcript preparation costs for eligible litigants in the State Bar Court.

Proposed Amendments to State Bar Rules on Governance, Fees, and Procedures

The State Bar seeks public comment on proposed amendments to various provisions of the State Bar Rules.

Proposed Changes to the Rules of Procedure Regarding the Alternative Discipline Program

The State Bar seeks public comment on amendments to the Rules of Procedure that will eliminate the bar on eligibility for the Alternative Discipline Program (ADP) for attorneys whose misconduct involved moral turpitude. Other proposed changes will clarify the rules for the ADP and give the State Bar Court greater flexibility over the timing of the evaluation process.

Proposed Scope of Client Trust Account Protection Program Compliance Review Procedures

The State Bar’s Client Trust Account Protection Program (CTAPP) will implement compliance reviews of client trust accounting in 2025. The State Bar seeks public comment on the proposed scope of the compliance review procedures to be conducted by a certified public accountant.

Proposed Rule Revisions Regarding the Practical Training of Law Students

The State Bar seeks public comment on proposed revisions to State Bar rules regarding the Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program to increase eligibility and decrease barriers to participation.

Proposed Revisions to Rules Pertaining to the Law Office Study Program

The State Bar seeks public comment on proposed changes to the rules for the Law Office Study Program to modernize and improve the program, eliminate unnecessary barriers to participation, and address the Court's concerns.

Proposed Formal Opinion Interim No. 20-0001 (Lawyer as Expert Witness)

The State Bar seeks public comment on Proposed Formal Opinion Interim No. 20-0001 (Lawyer as Expert Witness).

Proposed Standards for Certification and Recertification in Privacy Law

The State Bar seeks public comment on proposed Standards for Certification and Recertification in Privacy Law, a proposed new legal specialization area.