Part of a provider’s responsibilities include keeping track of the attorneys who participate in a Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) activity and the certificates they issue to verify attendance.
The State Bar conducts annual audits to verify attorney reports listing their MCLE credits. Open and accessible records are key to conducting these audits. The State Bar also monitors how providers advertise an educational program.
Providers need to keep these types of MCLE records:
Providers must keep all records, including the records of attendance, agendas, copies of written materials and promotional materials (if any) for four years from the date the program is held.
Providers may create and use their own records of attendance, certificates of attendance and/or evaluation forms. Each form must include the same fields found on the samples. Providers should not send any records to the State Bar unless specifically requested to do so.
If the State Bar audits an attorney, we may request the copies of his/her certificates. To verify that the attorney’s name is on a provider’s record of attendance, an auditor will look at the certificate to find provider contact information. You may be contacted if there is a question.
Providers also need to understand the requirements regarding listing or advertising an MCLE activity. Here are some rules:
Providers are strongly discouraged from co-sponsoring MCLE activities. If you need to make any changes to the provider’s name, address or contact information, contact the State Bar at:
MCLE ProvidersThe State Bar of California 180 Howard St.San Francisco, CA 94105Email: providers@calbar.ca.gov