Established in 1935, the Oregon State Bar is a public corporation and instrumentality of the Oregon Judicial Department that serves the public by regulating lawyers and improving access to justice and the delivery of legal services. The state bar oversees the admission and discipline of Oregon’s lawyers. It also operates a lawyer referral service program, conducts continuing legal education programs, publishes legal and public service material, sponsors a legislative program to improve the laws and judicial system of Oregon, provides malpractice coverage for lawyers in private practice, distributes state funds allocated to legal service programs and monitors the programs for adherence to adopted standards.