California State Senate Confirms George Cardona as Chief Trial Counsel

The California Senate confirmed Tuesday the reappointment of George Cardona as the Chief Trial Counsel for the State Bar of California. This is Cardona's second Senate confirmation. In June 2022, Cardona became the first Senate confirmation of a Chief Trial Counsel in 10 years.

Under Cardona's leadership, the Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) established a permanent team dedicated to investigating client trust account discrepancies and complaints, reorganized the office to improve efficiency and focus expertise, prioritized the discipline of attorneys who do the most harm to the public, and created a diversion program for attorneys designed to address minor rules violations.

"I am honored by the Senate's confirmation and grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work," said Cardona. "I remain committed to strengthening public protection, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of our investigations and prosecutions, and continuing to ensure the State Bar fulfills its public protection mission by seeking discipline against those attorneys who do the most harm."

Cardona is a former federal prosecutor and City of Santa Monica City Attorney. He joined the State Bar in October 2021.

Cardona and Executive Director Laura Enderton-Speed were recommended for confirmation by the Senate Rules Committee at an in-person hearing on April 29, 2026. Enderton-Speed was confirmed by the full Senate on May 14, 2026.

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The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.