The State Bar’s Board of Trustees on Thursday unanimously voted to gather public comments on a proposed new program in which law graduates would receive provisional licenses and work under the supervision of an experienced attorney for four to six months while being paid. During that time, candidates would compile a portfolio of work that would be graded by the state bar. Those who earn a passing grade on their portfolios would become fully licensed in California without taking the bar exam.

A new San Diego Superior Court program launched this month will allow eligible people to request a reduced payment or payment schedule for traffic tickets without having to step foot back inside a courthouse.

Superior Court Judge Kimberlee Lagotta says one aspect of the program is accountability; meaning the person will have a team to help keep them involved in the program if it's needed.

(Subscription required) The appeals court considered the bar's relationship to state government, a key issue in deciding whether the agency could be subject to an Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit.