Studying the law — anywhere
At 5:15 a.m., with low-flying helicopters buzzing overhead, third-year law student John Penn diligently shows up for class — a live class on his computer in his room on an Army compound in Kabul, Afghanistan.

State Bar 2009 fees due Feb. 2
The State Bar's annual fee statement was mailed Dec. 1 to all active attorneys and all inactive lawyers under the age of 70. Dues must be paid by Feb. 2.

Getting a different perspective on courts
Former Gov. Pete Wilson made a plea for renewed adherence to the separation of powers. Three state chief justices lamented the politicizing of judicial campaigns. And luminaries from throughout the legal profession tackled such topics as same-sex marriage, the death penalty, family law, mandatory arbitration and application of freedom of speech.

Man convicted in killing of past State Bar president
A Palm Springs transient has been sentenced to 15 years to life for the strangling death of former State Bar President Garvin Shallenberger, who served in the late 1970s. Michael Anunciation, 48, received a total of 17 years to life after Riverside County Superior Court Judge James S. Hawkins added two years for prior convictions.

Bar exam pass rate jumps nearly 6 percent over 2007
The Committee of Bar Examiners announced last month that 61.7 percent of those who took the bar exam in July passed. If the 5,330 successful test takers satisfy other requirements for admission, they will become members of the State Bar, bringing the number of California lawyers to almost 223,000.

2007- 08 Exhibitor Directory
The businesses and services listed here support the State Bar through various means, most notably as exhibitors at the State Bar's Annual Meeting. Visit them online or via phone to serve your individual needs.