The Board of Bar Commissioners (BBC) is the governing and policy-making body of the Alabama State Bar. The board is composed of 75 members. Of those 75, there are 65 members who are elected from the 41 judicial circuits (§34-3-40) and nine at-large members who are selected by the board (§34-3-41). Any member in good standing may run for election upon nomination by five or more members residing in the circuit where the nominee resides or upon a declaration of candidacy (§34-3-42). Commission terms run for three years beginning at the annual meeting in July following the member’s election or selection.

The Board of Bar Commissioners has the authority to promulgate and enforce rules relating to admissions, rules of ethics and discipline of its membership. Other responsibilities of the board include determining the qualifications and requirements for admission to the practice of law; investigating and acting on complaints concerning conduct of members and applicants for admission; overseeing the bar examination; assisting local bar associations and more.