Important legislation was recently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom that impacts the State Bar of California. On September 12, 2024, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 3279, the 2024 annual State Bar licensing fee bill. 

Key highlights of the bill include:

• An increase in 2025 licensing fees by $88 for active attorneys and $22.60 for inactive attorneys.
• Expansion of the Client Trust Account Protection Program, allowing for audits of client trust accounts.
• Investment in a diversion program aimed at front-end dispute resolution through mandatory fee arbitration and other public protection efforts.
• Amendments to improve accountability of State Bar Board members, including provisions for removal for cause.

Additionally, the bill supports access to justice by increasing funding for legal services summer fellowships and establishing partnerships to broaden access to legal services for underserved Californians.

For more details on this legislation and other pending bills, please check out the full Press Release here.

This legislation is a significant step forward in supporting the State Bar’s goals of public protection and operational sustainability.

You can read our coverage of other important updates on our blog.