Upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, one decision at a time.
The Ethics Committee is dedicated to upholding the standards of ethics and professionalism in the legal profession. As a valuable resource to the entire community, the committee provides feedback and comments on proposed opinions, rules and legislation that impact attorney ethics and professionalism. The committee also writes advisory opinions on ethical issues where guidance is needed and develops educational content to educate the entire profession on ethics issues.
The Ethics Committee works closely with both internal and external ethics groups, including COPRAC and county bar associations, to ensure the highest standards of ethical behavior are upheld within the legal community. By acting as a resource to sections that provide practice area-specific ethics content, the Ethics Committee is committed to promoting ethical conduct and professional responsibility in all aspects of the legal profession.
We are committed to accessibility! Virtual events are equipped with closed captioning. To request an in-person accommodation, send us a note at accessibility@calawyers.org or contact us at 916-516-1760 for assistance.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is exploding everywhere including the practice of law. As lawyers increasingly use AI in a variety of ways, the possible misuses of AI multiply and expand, creating risks for the unwary.
Guidance on the Rule of Professional Conduct 8.3 jumps off the page! Join panelists from the State Bar of California and other professionals as they answer your questions, as submitted via survey, on real world “Reporting Professional Misconduct” issues​.
This training provides an essential overview of the principles and practices of effective oral advocacy before state and federal appellate courts. Participants will learn how to structure persuasive arguments, respond to judicial questioning, and maintain credibility under pressure. The session will highlight common pitfalls to avoid, demonstrate best practices for preparation and delivery, and offer practical guidance for adapting to different judicial panels. Whether you’re new to appellate practice or refining your courtroom technique, this program will strengthen your ability to advocate with precision, confidence, and professionalism.
We are committed to accessibility! Virtual events are equipped with closed captioning. To request an in-person accommodation, send us a note at accessibility@calawyers.org or contact us at 916-516-1760 for assistance.
We are grateful for the tireless work and dedication of our committee members in the Ethics Committee. Their contributions in providing feedback and comments on proposed opinions, rules and legislation, writing advisory opinions on ethical issues, developing educational content, and working closely with internal and external ethics groups, have helped to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in the legal profession. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to promoting ethical conduct and professional responsibility.
Suzanne Burke Spencer, Chair
Scott Garner, Vice-Chair
David Samani, Secretary
Merri Baldwin
Carole Buckner
Andrew Dilworth
Alison Buchanan
David Majchrzak
Dianne Jackson McLean
Kevin Mohr
Toby Rothschild
Neil Wertlieb
Noah Rosenthal
For information on applying to join the Ethics Committee next year or to suggest topics for advisory opinions, contact us at ethics@calawyers.org