What New California Solo/Small Firm Lawyers Should Know in 2026 

By Tammie Ton 

As 2026 begins, California attorneys—especially newer lawyers—should be aware of several developments shaping daily practice. 

Technology is now part of competence

California practice increasingly assumes fluency with e-filing, mandatory electronic service of court notices, and remote appearances under Code of Civil Procedure section 367.75 and California Rules of Court, rule 3.672. Staying current with court-approved platforms, local e-filing rules, and digital exhibit handling is now a practical component of competent representation. 

New pro bono reporting requirement begins with the 2026 licensing cycle

Beginning with the 2026 licensing cycle, all California attorneys who were active at any point during the reporting year must report their pro bono and reduced-fee legal services hours as part of annual license renewal, even though there is no minimum-hours requirement. For the 2026 renewal, attorneys will report work performed between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. This change, enacted through AB 2505, is intended to collect confidential, aggregate data to inform access-to-justice policy while keeping the State Bar’s long-standing 50-hour pro bono goal. 

Stronger focus on case management and civility

Recent discovery reforms, including mandatory initial disclosures (CCP §2016.090) and increased sanctions—now $1,000 per discovery violation (CCP §2023.050)—reflect a clear push against delay and gamesmanship. Courts expect early, meaningful meet-and-confer efforts, professional cooperation, and active case management, particularly from newer attorneys. 

Heightened practice-management obligations

The State Bar’s Client Trust Account Protection Program (CTAPP) requires annual trust account registration, self-assessments, and strict compliance with Rule 1.15 recordkeeping, with expanded requirements rolling out through 2026.  

In 2026, successful California lawyers must pair legal knowledge with technological fluency, professionalism, and strong practice management—skills that matter most early in practice.