Bar Association in California

The California State Bar Association regulates the legal profession throughout the state, maintaining the official roll of licensed attorneys, administering the bar exam, investigating professional conduct complaints, and operating the lawyer referral service that connects residents with qualified legal counsel. The organization operates under the authority of the California Supreme Court.

Bar Association locations are available in 25 cities across California. They are spread across 16 counties.

Cities with the highest concentration include Los Angeles, Oakland, Pasadena, where local and county bar associations maintain offices alongside a high density of law firms, courts, and legal service organizations.

Residents of California seeking legal help can use the state bar's lawyer referral service to be connected with a licensed attorney for a reduced-fee initial consultation, and can also search for certified specialists in specific practice areas such as family law, personal injury, or criminal defense.

Residents of California who cannot afford an attorney may be eligible for free legal assistance through the state bar's legal aid referral program, law school clinics, or local nonprofit legal aid organizations. The state bar's website also provides a public resource library with plain-language explanations of common legal processes and self-help forms.

Browse Bar Association by county across California to find the nearest location.