Top 10 Best Attorneys in Marin County, California (Updated 2026)

Who licenses attorneys in California

The State Bar of California is the state's regulatory agency for lawyers. It handles the licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys, and there is no separate Marin County license.

Business and Professions Code section 6125 says no person shall practice law in California unless the person is an active licensee of the State Bar.

How to check an attorney's license and discipline record

The State Bar runs a public Attorney Search that takes an attorney's name or bar number. The State Bar says the tool shows the status of an attorney's license along with the attorney's disciplinary and administrative history.

Complaints and investigations are presumed confidential. Once the State Bar files charges in State Bar Court, the case becomes public and a notice goes on the attorney's online profile.

Certified legal specialists in California

A certified legal specialist is an attorney who has shown proficiency in one area of law. Attorneys may advertise as certified specialists only if they are certified by the State Bar of California or by an organization whose program the State Bar has accredited.

The State Bar's page on finding a certified specialist lists the requirements. A specialist has passed an examination in the specialty, practiced law for at least five years with at least 25 percent of that work in the specialty, completed extra continuing education, and received favorable evaluations from peers and judges.

The State Bar certifies specialists in 11 areas of law:

• Admiralty and maritime law
• Appellate law
• Bankruptcy law
• Criminal law
• Estate planning, trust and probate law
• Family law
• Franchise and distribution law
• Immigration and nationality law
• Legal malpractice law
• Taxation law
• Workers' compensation law

To find one, open the Attorney Search, choose Advanced Search, and pick a specialty from the menu.

Written fee agreements for California attorneys

Two sections of the Business and Professions Code, both in the article on attorney fee agreements, say when a written fee agreement is required and what it must contain.

In both cases the attorney must hand over a duplicate signed by attorney and client when the contract is entered into. If the attorney does not comply, the agreement is voidable at the client's option, and the attorney may still collect a reasonable fee.

A contingency fee contract must also state that the fee is not set by law and is negotiable, unless the claim falls under the separate limits in section 6146. Section 6148 has exceptions, including emergency services and clients that are corporations.

Fee disputes, complaints and the Client Security Fund

The State Bar's Mandatory Fee Arbitration program puts a billing dispute before independent arbitrators instead of a court. If the client requests arbitration through the program, the attorney is required to take part, and the client does not need a lawyer. Local bar associations run the programs. Where there is no local program, the State Bar may provide arbitration.

The State Bar also explains how to file a complaint against an attorney. The process runs like this:

1. You file an attorney misconduct complaint, online or on a PDF form.
2. A State Bar attorney reviews it. If the alleged facts establish a violation, the matter is investigated.
3. If the State Bar files charges, the case goes to the independent State Bar Court and becomes public.
4. A judge can dismiss the case, issue an admonishment or reproval, or recommend suspension or disbarment. The California Supreme Court has the final say on suspension and disbarment.

The State Bar describes the Client Security Fund as a discretionary fund, paid for entirely by California lawyers, that reimburses people who lost money or property because of a California lawyer's theft or dishonest conduct. Reimbursement can reach $100,000 per claim, depending on when the loss occurred. Losses from negligence or malpractice are not covered, and you need to file a complaint against the attorney first.

Finding a lawyer in Marin County

The State Bar does not refer people to lawyers. It certifies lawyer referral services, which must meet standards approved by the California Supreme Court. Lawyers they refer must be in good standing with the State Bar and hold professional liability insurance, and you are not obligated to hire them. The State Bar's Bay Area referral service list has a Marin County section. It includes the SF-Marin Lawyer Referral and Information Service of the Bar Association of San Francisco, along with regional and statewide services.

The Marin County Superior Court runs a Legal Self-Help Center that gives free assistance, in English and Spanish, to people who do not have attorneys. Its primary areas include child custody, divorce, small claims and landlord and tenant matters. Court and county offices are listed on the Marin County government and services page.

The professional services section of the directory also lists accountants and CPAs, financial advisors and notaries in Marin County.

Who licenses attorneys in Marin County?

The State Bar of California licenses, regulates and disciplines every attorney in the state, including those with offices in Marin County. There is no county license. Under Business and Professions Code section 6125, no person may practice law in California unless the person is an active licensee of the State Bar.

How do I check a California attorney's license?

Use the Attorney Search on the State Bar of California website. A profile shows the status of the attorney's license and the attorney's disciplinary and administrative history. If the State Bar files disciplinary charges in State Bar Court, the case becomes public and a notice appears on the attorney's online profile.

Does a lawyer have to give me a written fee agreement in California?

Yes, in two situations set by state law. A contingency fee contract must be in writing under Business and Professions Code section 6147. Under section 6148, other contracts must be in writing when the total expense to the client, including attorney fees, is reasonably expected to exceed $1,000. The attorney must give the client a signed copy.

How do I file a complaint against an attorney in California?

File an attorney misconduct complaint with the State Bar of California, online or on a PDF form. A State Bar attorney reviews the complaint, and if the alleged facts establish a violation, the matter is investigated. Charges go to the independent State Bar Court. The California Supreme Court has the final say on suspension or disbarment.

What is a certified legal specialist?

A certified legal specialist is an attorney the State Bar of California has certified in one of 11 areas of law, such as family law, taxation law, or estate planning, trust and probate law. Specialists must pass a written exam, practice at least five years with 25 percent of their work in the specialty, and complete extra continuing education.

What can I do about a dispute over a lawyer's bill?

California has a Mandatory Fee Arbitration program for disputes over attorney fees. If a client requests arbitration through the program, the attorney is required to take part. Local bar associations run fee arbitration programs, and the State Bar may provide arbitration where no local program exists. Clients do not need a lawyer for the process.