Community Spotlight

State Bar of California


Klinedinst is honored to shine a spotlight on the organizations making a difference in our community. One of those organizations that we are proud to feature is the State Bar of California. 

The California State Bar serves the people of California through careful oversight of the legal profession. Created by the California Assembly in 1927, the State Bar is a component of the California Supreme Court that licenses and regulates attorneys to protect the public from unscrupulous and fraudulent conduct by attorneys. 

The State Bar develops and enforces professional guidelines to which attorneys must adhere or face discipline. The guidelines for attorneys are contained in the Rules of Professional Conduct but attorneys must also adhere to other regulations, rules, and laws. The State Bar actively investigates and prosecutes consumer complaints against lawyers and even those who provide legal services but are unauthorized to do so. It also provides the public with the resources necessary to file a complaint against an attorney. 

Klinedinst attorneys have a long history of service and leadership within the State Bar of California. Klinedinst President and CEO Heather L. Rosing was elected to the State Bar’s Board of Trustees in 2011. She also actively participated in the Task Force on Admissions Regulation Reform, the Limited License Working Group, and several other important initiatives and studies. In 2010 she also served as Vice-Chair of the Board-level Nominations and Appointments Committee. 

In 2013 Ms. Rosing was elected by the Board of Trustees as Treasurer of The State Bar of California. In this role she oversaw the State Bar’s budget and internal financial controls, in conjunction with the organization’s CFO. The following year Ms. Rosing was elected to serve as Vice President of the organization for 2014-2015.  

Klinedinst Shareholder and General Counsel David Majchrzak served as a three-year member of the State Bar of California’s Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct, and chair of its outreach committee. 

Legal Specialization

The State Bar certifies attorneys as specialists who have gone beyond the standard licensing requirements. The program was intended to provide a method for attorneys to earn the designation of certified specialist in particular areas of law, increasing public protection and encouraging attorney competence. 

Shareholder Natalie P. Vance serves as Chair of the California Board of Legal Specialization (BLS), which administers the State Bar of California Program for Certified Legal Specialists. The BLS was created by the California Supreme Court to promote attorney competence and provide consumers with an independent means to verify an attorney’s qualifications.

The program was the first of its kind in the United States, and it has served as a model for other state programs for certifying legal specialists around the nation. 

Klinedinst Attorneys with Legal Specialization:  

To learn more about the State Bar of California, please visit
calbar.ca.gov.

Klinedinst PC is not affiliated with the State Bar of California and provides this information as a service to the community. For current statistics and information, please visit their website.

Facts at a Glance

Licensed Attorneys: Over 250,000
Address (Main Office): 180 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 538-2000
Address: 845 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: (213) 765-1000

Mission Statement

To protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Major Functions

  • Licenses attorneys and regulates the profession and practice of law in California.
  • Enforces Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys.
  • Disciplines attorneys who violate rules and laws.
  • Administers the California Bar Exam.
  • Advances access to justice.
  • Promotes diversity and inclusion in the legal system.

External Links

State Bar of California Website