Processing your California State Bar Certificate of Registration involves a multi-step procedure that you must undergo to become licensed to practice law in California. The California State Bar takes the application process very seriously. They are particular on how the application form is filled out to ensure that only qualified and ethical individuals can practice law in the state.

Any missing information can lead to the disapproval of your application. When this happens, the State Bar will return all your documentation. And although you will be given a chance to revise the form or complete your attachments, a significant amount of time is already lost.

This is why it is critical that you complete all sections, especially the attachments. To make sure that your application form is on point, the steps below will serve as your guide:

Attachment A of California State Bar Certificate of Registration Application Form

First Page

SECTION 1: One of the areas that is easy to make a mistake is the name of the law corporation all the way through the documents. Make sure to indicate your law corporation’s name accurately.

SECTION 2: The bar is particular about is checking all the boxes in section 2 (Attachments). Make sure to check all the boxes and complete all the attachments required by the State Bar.

Second Page – Attachment A: List of Attorneys

Again, fill out the section with your exact law corporation name.

SECTION 1: In this section, list the name of your corporation’s shareholders. It is possible to have shareholders that are licensed in the state of California and other states as well.

Many times, shareholders who are licensed out of state will put their out-of-state license number. However, note that the header on this page says California bar number. So, if you don’t have a California bar number, leave it blank.

SECTION 2: Down to the Officers section, this form only allows for three main officers: president, treasurer, and secretary. Again, it’s important not to put in a bar number that is not a CA state bar number. If your bar number is out-of-state, leave it blank.

SECTION 3: Here, the same thing goes. Indicate the CA bar number and leave blank if none.

SECTION 4: This section pertains to the ‘Attorney Employees’. Obviously, the rules are unless you’re a California-licensed attorney, you cannot practice law in the state of CA. However, it is fine to list only one attorney if there is only one even if the attorney’s license is out-of-state, as long as it’s filled out because the State Bar requires a completed form. The list of attorneys will then be used in the calculation for the law corporation guarantee.

SECTIONS 5 & 6: If section 5 or 6 applies to you, make sure that these sections are completed as well with all the appropriate information.

Attachment B: Make Sure Your Corporation Name is Correct

Accomplishing the Attachment B section of the form is fairly easy as only a few items need to be filled out, such as the exact corporation name, date, and signature. Most important of all is, again, to indicate your corporation’s name where needed.

Also, do not forget to indicate the execution date and then your signature under it.

Attachment C-1 (Standard Law Corporation Guarantee)

SECTION 1: In this section, many people often make mistakes in the calculations. Thankfully, section one provides a link to the Law Corporation Guarantee Worksheet to help you with the computation. Just click the link and that will direct you to the page that guides you on how the Math is done.

SECTION 2: Don’t forget the name of the corporation here. Then, proceed to filling out the blank spaces. To get the numbers, follow the steps outlined in the Law Corporation Guarantee Worksheet.

For example, multiply the number of lawyers by $50,000 to fill in the PER CLAIM section. If you have two lawyers listed: 50,000 x 2 = $100,000

The second part is multiplying the number of attorneys by $100,000 to get the PER CALENDAR YEAR computation. So, 100,000 x 2 = $200,000.

Further down, we recommend most clients ignore the EFFECTIVE DATE part of the agreement and focus on the DATE EXECUTED section.

Important Things to Remember When Processing Your California State Bar Certificate of Registration

Basically, C-1 is the last part of the form that needs to be completed. However, it is critical to go through the entire documents and make certain that before you pay the fee, all attachments required in Section 2 (Attachments) are complete. If not, the state bar will return the money to you along with a letter stating that your application is incomplete and is put on hold.

Your next step in processing your California State Bar certificate of Registration is to correspond with the State Bar, so you are informed of the issue with your submission. Either you’re unable to provide the necessary information in which case they won’t process the application or allow you the opportunity to make the required changes and then resubmit the application for processing.

Score That California State Bar Certificate of Registration with Ease

Obtaining your California state bar certification of registration is a critical step in becoming licensed to practice law in California. It is essential to be meticulous and thorough when completing the application, as any errors or omissions could potentially delay or even derail the process. It is also important to remember that the application process is just one part of the journey towards becoming a licensed attorney in California. Ultimately, it is the culmination of dedication, hard work, and perseverance that will lead to a successful career in law. By carefully completing the application and fulfilling all of the California State Bar’s requirements, aspiring lawyers can take the first step towards achieving their legal career goals.

Make sure that your exact corporation name is indicated on every page, complete all the attachments, fill out the spaces with the required information, and do not forget to leave your signature where needed.

Understandably though, things can still go wrong with your application process. Rather than working on it on your own, you have the option to seek an incorporation attorney’s help to ensure you do not miss a thing. Having an incorporation expert at your side is the best approach if you find this task challenging.

Incorporation Attorney can help you with the challenges you are likely to face during the entire application process. You have our back until you finally obtain your California state bar certificate of registration. Come talk to us to find out how we can help you set up your private law practice in California. Call today!