A University of the Pacific alumna is now leading the State Bar of California—the country’s largest attorney regulatory agency—as it works to recover from financial challenges and fallout from changes to the state’s bar exam.  

The State Bar Board of Trustees appointed Laura Enderton-Speed ’08 as its executive director beginning Nov. 3. She has also served as an adjunct professor at McGeorge School of Law since served as an adjunct from 2010-2025, teaching bar exam preparation courses. 

“I am both honored and humbled to be named the executive director of the State Bar,” Enderton-Speed said. “I know it will be a challenge and a tremendous responsibility; I am grateful for the trust the Board of Trustees placed in me.”

The State Bar of California came under scrutiny earlier this year after widespread technical issues affected test takers during the rollout of a new version of the California Bar Exam. The board voted unanimously in September to appoint Enderton-Speed.

“The Board is thrilled with this selection for the next State Bar Executive Director,” said outgoing Board Chair Brandon Stallings and incoming Chair José Cisneros in a joint statement. “Laura’s exceptional leadership and extensive experience in policy development and legislative advocacy, as well as her law school professor credentials, will serve us well. She has demonstrated a steadfast belief in our public protection mission.”

Enderton-Speed previously served as director of the Leadership Support Services Office at the Judicial Council of California, where she worked with the trial courts, courts of appeal, the California Supreme Court and other justice partners to support judicial leadership, improve court administration and implement policy reforms. She has also worked extensively in governmental affairs, collaborating with legislators, regulatory agencies and advocacy groups to advance policy initiatives.

“As a McGeorge alumna and long-time adjunct professor, Laura has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise, integrity and dedication to the legal profession,” said McGeorge School of Law Dean Michael Colatrella. “I know these same strengths will contribute to her success in her new role.”

The State Bar of California is responsible for licensing attorneys, enforcing rules of professional conduct, administering the California Bar Exam and advancing access to justice. One of Enderton-Speed’s first priorities is to work with the Committee of Bar Examiners, the Board of Trustees, staff and key stakeholders to ensure a fair and reliable exam experience for future candidates.

“As I take on this role, my focus will be on stabilizing finances, improving processes and procedures and building trust with our stakeholders, including lawmakers and the Supreme Court,” Enderton-Speed said. “I am committed to accountability and improving service to the legal community and the public.”

Enderton-Speed said she also plans to build on recent efforts to strengthen the effectiveness and transparency of the agency’s discipline system for attorneys who violate rules and laws, with a focus on those who cause the greatest harm to the public.

Recent graduate Whitney Ellis ’25 called the appointment “a powerful choice” that will serve other California law students well.

“As her student who just passed the California State Bar, I saw firsthand her commitment to mentorship and excellence in the legal profession,” Ellis said. “Her leadership will strengthen the state bar’s mission and inspire the next generation of attorneys to uphold the highest ethical standards.”

Enderton-Speed said she is committed to transparency, accountability and collaboration as she moves forward.

“I welcome input from all members of the legal community and the public, and I look forward to working together to strengthen the state bar and serving the people of California,” she said.