The State Bar of California

10/15/2026

The has released its 2026 Report Card on the Diversity of California's Legal Profession, examining the demographics of the state's active licensees, newly admitted attorneys, and results from the 2026 Attorney Workplace Satisfaction Survey.

"All attorneys need workplaces where they can thrive, advance, and lead. Newly admitted attorneys continue to be more diverse than ever, but this year's Report Card and Workplace Satisfaction Survey make clear that representation alone is not enough. We urge both employers and attorneys to identify barriers, improve organizational practices, and mentor and promote a legal profession that fosters growth, well-being, and opportunity for all." — Executive Director Laura Enderton-Speed

Key findings:

📌 Women and people of color reached all-time highs among newly admitted attorneys in 2026, at 58 percent and 60 percent of the cohort, respectively.

📌 Women of color are the fastest-growing group among new attorneys — but report the lowest workplace satisfaction and most frequently report barriers to inclusion.

📌 Latinos remain the most underrepresented group, at 38 percent of California adults but 7 percent of attorneys.

📌 Women who are caregivers are far more likely than men (56 percent compared with 35 percent) to report negative career impacts from caregiving.

📌 75 percent of attorneys report using AI tools, and 64 percent agree that "AI will fundamentally transform how legal work is performed."

📌 Attorneys with disabilities report lower overall workplace satisfaction than all surveyed attorneys (64 percent versus 71 percent).

Read the news release here: https://bit.ly/2026diversityreportcard

10/14/2026

Reminder: Starting with the Attorney Annual Renewal January 2027, paper checks will no longer be accepted.

Pay your annual license fees by:

✅ Credit card (may include a transaction fee)
✅ Electronic transfer via ACH

Limited exceptions may apply. Review the Acceptable Methods of Payment policy: https://bit.ly/3STcy0b

Please note this policy may be subject to future amendments.

10/14/2026

Last call for Refresh: Fall Mindfulness Series. The final session, Holding Up Your Piece of the Sky, is 10/15 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Attend online or in person in downtown Los Angeles. Participants will learn mindful self-compassion and loving-kindness techniques to manage stress and build resilience. Earn 1.0 hour of Wellness MCLE credit.

Attending in person? Advance arrangements are required. Register on Zoom Events, then email [email protected] by 10/14 with the full name of each person attending in person.

Presented by the State Bar Lawyer Assistance Program and the Mindfulness in Law Society. Register: https://bit.ly/4xJ2B4B

10/13/2026

The is accepting applications for an attorney position on the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE).

Pursuant to Rule 9.4 of the California Rules of Court, this recruitment is for an attorney who has been admitted to practice law in California within three years of the date of appointment.

Apply by October 16: https://bit.ly/4bXk6G5

10/13/2026

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we’re sharing words from two Latina chief judges, each the first to lead her court.

At a San Francisco La Raza Lawyers Association forum, Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Mary Murguia and Chief Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California spoke about representation, mentorship, and community.

“If you see it, you can believe it,” said Chief Judge Murguia. Chief Judge Gonzalez Rogers said she cares less about being first than about “inspiring all of you to help build that road.”

Their shared message: being first means making sure you aren’t the last.

For subscribers, read more on Law.com: https://bit.ly/4hM7wg3

10/13/2026

California attorneys, bar applicants, and law students: Retool is underway, and it’s not too late to join.

Opening, managing, or closing a law practice? The Lawyer Assistance Program invites you to attend Retool: Law Office Management Support Program, a free six-session webinar series designed especially for solo practitioners and small-firm attorneys. The series covers the full life cycle of a law practice.

Sessions begin at noon:
Oct. 6 – Opening a Law Office (recording available)
Oct. 13 – Client Communication & Expectation Setting
Oct. 14 – Law Firm Administration
Oct. 19 – Law Firm Technology
Oct. 21 – Attorney Wellness
Oct. 26 – Succession Planning & Closing a Law Firm

Speakers from diverse practice backgrounds share practical tips, sample templates, and implementation-ready guidance you can put to use in your own practice.

Missed a session? Recordings and materials are available to all registrants within 48 hours. MCLE credit pending. Register free: https://bit.ly/4xEYpCv

10/09/2026

Indigenous people have called California and North America home for thousands of years. Their rich indigenous heritage continues to shape our lives today.

In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, offices and contact center will be closed Monday, 10/12. We reopen Tuesday, 10/13.

10/09/2026

The July 2026 California Bar Exam results will now be released on Friday, Oct. 30, instead of Nov. 6.

Before then, check your Admission Status screen in the Applicant Portal: https://bit.ly/4zfWiGr to confirm you’ve met all other admission requirements, including:

– MPRE
– Moral character determination
– Preferred email address on file
– Court-ordered child/family support obligations

The Status screen will be unavailable Oct. 23–Nov. 3. Review your requirements before then.

Applicants: Check your email for full details and step-by-step instructions.

10/09/2026

From appointment to the ballot: how California’s appellate justices are selected.

The Governor appoints, the State Bar’s JNE Commission evaluates candidates’ qualifications, the Commission on Judicial Appointments confirms, and voters decide on retention.

5 things to know before you vote this November:

A primer on how appellate justices are nominated and become part of the voter process