Compliance & Records for Judges

Attorneys who become judges of courts of record should contact the State Bar to ensure that the State Bar records are updated appropriately. Be prepared to submit a copy of the Oath of Office upon request.

Some other judicial officers may qualify for a waiver of annual fees pursuant to Rules of the State Bar of California, title 2, division 2, rule 2.16 (C)(3)(a), which provides a waiver if the attorney serves full time as a magistrate, commissioner, or referee for a state or federal court of record. Use the fee waiver application form to apply for the judicial fee waiver.

Retirement and other status changes

Judges are also required to notify the State Bar upon their retirement from the bench, regardless of whether they return to active practice, become inactive, or stop practicing law entirely. To report any changes, please submit the Retired Judge Form.

Reporting attorney misconduct

Officers of the court, including judges, have a duty to report attorneys who engage in professional misconduct. Judicial officers should use the discipline referral form to report an attorney.

Read more about attorney conduct and discipline and how to report an attorney.

Judicial ethics

Like attorneys, judges are subject to ethical guidelines. The State Bar features resources that promote awareness and understanding of ethics, including rules, statutes, advisory ethics opinions, and court policies that affect judges.

If you have other questions about judges, contact the State Bar by filling out the Licensee Records and Compliance Inquiry form.