Law Practice Management & Technology

News from the State Bar

Public Comment

The public and attorneys have an opportunity to submit written comments about policy issues before the Board of Trustees.  These issues include formal opinions regarding ancillary business, witness perjury and advising a cannabis business; rules of procedure regarding vexatious complainants; and regulatory reforms to promote access to justice.   Comments may be directed to the address listed on each proposal.

The following items are the latest posted for public comment – click on the links to learn more:

Note: each item below links to a full description of the public comment information.

Options for Regulatory Reforms to Promote Access to Justice

Read More: Options for Regulatory Reforms to Promote Access to Justice 
Source: State Bar Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct
Deadline: September 23, 2019

The State Bar Board of Trustees has opened public comment on a series of sweeping proposals that would change the way legal services are delivered in California. The proposals include 16 reform options that would:

  • Permit law firms to share fees with non-lawyers.
  • Create licenses for non-lawyers to provide legal advice and services, with appropriate regulation.
  • Allow technology-driven delivery systems to engage in authorized practice of law activities.
  • Allow entities that provide legal or law-related services to be made up of lawyers, non-lawyers or some combination of the two.

Background material:

Overview Memo and Full List of Concepts for Regulatory Changes Under Consideration

Board of Trustees Agenda Item 701 JULY 2019: State Bar Task Force on Access Through Innovation of Legal Services Report: Request to Circulate Tentative Recommendations for Public Comment

The public comment period closes September 23, 2019

Proposed New and Amended Rules of Procedure of the State Bar Regarding Vexatious Complainants
Proposed Formal Opinion Interim No. 16-0003 (Ancillary Business)

Read More:  The State Bar is seeking public comment on Proposed Formal Opinion Interim No. 16-0003 (Ancillary Business)

Source: State Bar Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct
Deadline: August 30, 2019

Proposed Revised Formal Opinion Interim No.14-0004 (Witness Perjury)

Read More: The State Bar seeks public comment on Proposed Revised Formal Opinion Interim No.14-0004 (Witness Perjury)

Source: State Bar Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct
Deadline: September 3, 2019

Proposed Formal Opinion Interim No.17-0001 (Advising a Cannabis Business)

Read More:  The State Bar seeks public comment on Proposed Formal Opinion Interim No. 17-0001 (Advising a Cannabis Business)

Source: State Bar Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct
Deadline: October 18, 2019

Check The State Bar website for the current items posted for public comment.  http://www.calbar.ca.gov/About-Us/Our-Mission/Protecting-the-Public/Public-Comment

If you feel that the LPMT Executive Committee should submit comments on behalf of the LPMT Section members to a particular item out for public comment, please contact Amy Williams, Chair of the Rules Subcommittee at aawlaw@earthlink.net.

PLEASE NOTE:  Publication for public comment is not, and shall not, be construed as a recommendation or approval by The State Bar Board of Trustees of the materials published.


If you feel that the LPMT Executive Committee should submit comments on behalf of the LPMT Section members to a particular item out for public comment, please contact Amy Williams, Chair of the Rules Subcommittee at aawlaw@earthlink.net.

PLEASE NOTE:  Publication for public comment is not, and shall not, be construed as a recommendation or approval by The State Bar Board of Trustees of the materials published.


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