State Bar Judges Are Selected, Not Elected
Since 1989, the court has utilized full-time judges appointed by the California Supreme Court, the Legislature, and the governor. It is divided into two departments: the Hearing Department and the Review Department, both overseen by a presiding judge.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—or Division?
The State Bar openly champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). On paper, that sounds like a noble goal. Achieving an attorney population reflective of California’s demographic richness is, in theory, a step toward justice. But how do you achieve such a goal without tipping the scales against certain groups?
Here’s the hard truth: to admit more from underrepresented groups, you might have to limit admissions from overrepresented ones. That’s not equality; it’s a redistribution of opportunity, one that leaves some feeling sidelined. DEI policies can and should be a force for good, but not when they compromise fairness or foster division. Critics argue that the State Bar’s DEI efforts cross this line, using opaque processes to prioritize some while disadvantaging others.
