About the Sections

What Are the Sections?

The Sections are voluntary organizations of attorneys and associates who share an area of interest. The Sections help their members maintain expertise in their various fields of law, expand their professional contacts, and serve the profession, the public and the legal system.

The State Bar of California has 16 Sections, with annual fees of $75. Each Section is governed by an executive committee of members appointed by the State Bar Board of Governors.

Continuing Legal Education Programs

See the State Bar's CLE Calendar for a list of upcoming programs sponsored by the State Bar Sections. The Sections also participate in the State Bar Annual Meeting and host the Section Education Institute series.

Among many activities, Sections:

Publish newsletters to keep members informed of new developments; Establish committees through which members may actively participate; Present educational seminars on timely topics throughout the year; Originate legislation which, upon the Board's approval, is made a part of the State Bar's legislative program; Recommend positions on pending legislation to the Board of Governors in the name of the State Bar; Comment on administrative regulations and rules of court.

How to Join a State Bar Section

The Section year runs from January to December. Dues are not pro-rated. To sign up, see Join a Section.  Non-California lawyers can join as Associates Members, and law students can also join.

For more information

Office of Section Education & Meeting Services
The State Bar of California
180 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-1639
Phone: 415-538-2210

The State Bar of California and the State Bar Sections are State Bar of California-approved MCLE providers.