Encouraging ethical practices is an important way for the State Bar to prevent and discourage attorney misconduct. This is where you’ll find many resources, including ethics opinions, education programs and research tools that can aid attorneys in the course of practicing law.

Publication Announcement: The 2019 Publication 250, Volume 1 and Volume 2, which includes the California Rules of Professional Conduct, State Bar Act, selected California Rules of Court and statutes regarding duties of attorneys and discipline, is now available and can be purchased online.

Ethics Hotline

The Ethics Hotline is a confidential research service for attorneys seeking guidance on their professional responsibilities.

Effective June 15, the State Bar’s offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles resumed full operations to the public with appropriate precautions in place. As a result, until further notice, the Ethics Hotline is operating a modified service. Attorneys may request a call by completing the online Ethics Hotline Research Assistance Request Form. Do not call the Ethics Hotline call center as you cannot use that system for obtaining assistance.

If you complete the online call request form, an Ethics Hotline staff person will return your call between the hours of 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If this is a time-sensitive matter involving potential imminent physical harm or extreme urgency, you may call: 415-538-2148.

Additional information regarding law practices affected by natural disaster or catastrophic event can be found on the Ethics News page.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this period of modified service and check this page periodically for updates.

Rules and Statutes on Attorney Conduct

Research and Resources

Client Trust Accounts

The State Bar has plenty of information that can help you manage your client's trust account.

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You may subscribe to the Office of Professional Competence's email list to receive notifications regarding the work of our office, including the circulation of ethics opinions and rules for public comment, publications, educational events, and more.