Created by the state legislature in 1927, the State Bar is a public corporation within the judicial branch of government, serving as an arm of the California Supreme Court. All State Bar members are officers of the court.

Membership in the State Bar of California affords attorneys the right and privilege of practicing law in this state. The bar's integrated network of functions and services — many of them mandated by law — protects the public and assists attorneys in meeting their professional obligations.

With more than 226,000 members (January 2010), The State Bar of California is by far the largest state bar in the country. The term “bar association” originated in the 18th century, recognizing the railing or “bar” in a courtroom, separating spectators from lawyers and the judge, who occupies the “bench.”

Nearly 170,000 State Bar members actively practice law in California, while the rest retain their licenses as inactive members. To practice law in California, applicants must pass the California Bar Examination and pay their annual membership fees to the State Bar of California.

California was one of the first states to unify its bar (1927). A unified, or integrated bar, means simply that membership is mandatory for all attorneys who are licensed to practice law in the state. More than half of the states in the country have unified bars.

For more than 80 years, The State Bar of California has shaped the development of the law, regulated the professional conduct of the state’s lawyers and provided greater access to the justice system for all citizens. Created by the state legislature in 1927, the State Bar is a public corporation within the judicial branch of government, serving as an arm of the California Supreme Court. All State Bar members are officers of the court. Over the years, the State Bar continually has responded to the demands of a changing society, educating and informing both its members and the public.

It is the mission of the State Bar of California to preserve and improve the justice system in order to assure a free and just society under the law.  

The goals of the State Bar are:

• To assure that the public is protected and served by attorneys and other legal services providers that meet the highest standards of competence and ethics.
• To provide a wide array of services and benefits to members that meet their professional development, business and personal needs.
• To assure that all people have access to high quality legal services regardless of financial or other circumstances.
• To assure that the mission of the State Bar is fulfilled through effective and supportive relationships with all stakeholders.
• To assure that the State Bar is recognized and respected as a contributing and accountable leader in improving the administration of justice and ensuring the rule of law in our civil society.
• To use technology effectively and efficiently to support all aspects of its operation, facilitate communication and enhance the administration of justice in California.