California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 6180.12

A licensee of the State Bar appointed pursuant to Section 6180.5 shall serve without compensation. However, the licensee may be paid reasonable compensation by the State Bar in cases where the State Bar has determined that the licensee has devoted extraordinary time and services which were necessary to the performance of the licensee's duties under this article. All payments of compensation for time and services shall be at the discretion of the State Bar. Any licensee shall be entitled to reimbursement from the State Bar for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the licensee's duties under this article. Upon court approval of expenses or compensation for time and services, the State Bar shall be entitled to reimbursement therefor from the affected attorney or his or her estate.