The Stanislaus County Bar Association (SCBA) began in 1932, as a voluntary association of attorneys in Stanislaus County. D.M. Maclean was the first elected president. Over the following 71 years to date, there have been 69 individuals leading this organization. Four of these leaders were woman, commencing with Susan D. Siefkin (now the Honorable Susan D. Siefkin in 1989). Judge Siefkin is also one of many past SCBA presidents who have become Superior Court judges.

Under the guidance of then President Peter H. Smith, the SCBA was incorporated in 1981, as a non-profit, mutual benefit corporation. Its specific purpose was and is as follows:

• To serve the welfare of the public by promoting understanding of the laws of California and the nation
• Seek to improve the administration of justice
• Promote professionalism among lawyers
• Provide legal services to those in need of them
• Act as a means of communication
• Motivate its members to participate in civic/community service

There are currently 314 active members in the SCBA. The newest SCBA attorneys have their State Bar Numbers in excess of 200,000, those being in the 220,000 series.

The SCBA is led by nine officers and directors, jointly comprising over 160 years of legal experience. The day-to-day operations of the SCBA are overseen and performed by Executive Director, Roberta Burge, who has held this position for the last eight years. She is assisted by her Executive Assistant, Lisa A. Buehler.