Substantive written materials handouts, presentations, slides, or other documents that provider meaningful written explanations of the topics and legal authorities covered in the program. They must do more than list agenda items or display primary sources; they should contain analysis, discussion, and practical guidance at a level that allows an attorney to use the materials as a stand-alone reference after the course. Materials consisting only of brief bullet point outlines, agendas, unannotated copies of cases, statutes, or regulations, or slide decks that are mainly pictures, charts, or a few large font bullet points without explanatory text are not considered substantive.
What activities qualify for general MCLE credit?
Activities that qualify for general MCLE credit must: (1) relate to legal subjects that are directly relevant to California attorneys, and (2) offer current, significant educational, professional, or practical content with the specific objective of increasing each participant’s professional competency as an attorney. Programs created primarily for nonattorney audiences (for example, general public, clients, or business staff) do not qualify and will not be approved for general MCLE credit. More on Standards for MCLE activity Approval.
Are there separate Certificates of Attendance for speakers?
No. Except for the credit hours awarded, the certificate is the same for both speakers and nonspeakers.
Can a speaker receive credit as an attendee?
The speaker should receive credit for their attendance time less their speaking time. As an example, a speaker who speaks for 15 minutes during a 1-hour program would only be eligible for 45 minutes of attendance credit (i.e., 60 minutes of program time minus 15 minutes of speaking time = 45 minutes or 0.75 hours).
How are speaker credit hours calculated?
Regardless of the time increment, the speaker should be awarded their actual speaking time multiplied by four. For example, a speaker who speaks for 15 minutes would receive 1 hour of speaking credit (i.e., 0.25 hours x 4 = 1.00 hour speaking credit). Additionally, the speaker credit should be rounded to the nearest quarter-hour if necessary. For example, a speaker who speaks for 10 minutes should receive 45 minutes of speaking credit (i.e., 10 minutes x 4 rounded up to the nearest quarter-hour = 45 minutes or 0.75 hours).
Please note: Speaker credit should only be granted for the first presentation of a program. Speakers who repeat the same presentation should only receive attendance credit for that presentation.
How does a provider track attendance for participatory activities?
Providers can use the State Bar’s Record of Attendance form, or its equivalent, to take attendance. In addition to the California licensee’s name, State Bar number, and signature, the form must include the following information:
• The title of the MCLE activity;
• Date of the MCLE activity; and
• Total hours awarded, including any credit hours or partial credit hours awarded for legal ethics, recognition and elimination of bias, implicit bias, competence issues, or legal specialization as a component of the activity.
I am an approved SAP, so why am I not listed on the website?
Only MAPs are listed on the State Bar’s website. A provider with MAP status is considered to have demonstrated a strong understanding of both the standards for approval of MCLE activities and their responsibilities as outlined in the MCLE provider rules, and therefore, activities held by these providers are presumed to be approved by the State Bar.
How long does the provider’s status remain effective once approved?
A SAP’s application/program is approved for a period of two years from the date of the activity. An approval for MAP status is granted for a period of two years.
What types of legal education providers are approved in California?
There are two types of approved providers in California: Single Activity Providers and Multiple Activity Providers. A Single Activity Provider (SAP) is an organization approved to hold and grant Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) or Legal Specialty Minimum Continuing Legal Education (LSMCLE) credit for a single MCLE or LSMCLE activity for a period of two years from the date of the activity, provided that no substantive changes are made to the program. A SAP must apply for and receive approval of the activity in accordance with the State Bar’s procedures and pay applicable fee(s). More on becoming a Single Activity Provider
A Multiple Activity Provider (MAP) is an organization approved to hold and grant credit for any MCLE or LSMCLE activity for two years after applying for and receiving approval of MAP status in accordance with State Bar procedures and paying the applicable fee(s). Providers approved for MAP status do not have to submit separate applications to request approval for each program offered. More on becoming a Multiple Activity Provider
What is the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation?
The Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE; JNE Commission), is an agency of the State Bar created by statute for the express purpose of evaluating judicial candidates nominated by the Governor. The language of the statute, Government Code section 12011.5, is mandatory. It provides that, prior to exercising their constitutional right to make judicial appointments, the Governor shall submit to JNE the names of all potential appointees or nominees for judicial office for evaluation of their judicial qualifications. The commission operates pursuant to rules and procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the State Bar.
IOLTA is a primary source of funding for civil legal aid in California. Civil legal aid provides free legal services to those who would not otherwise be able to afford them. On average low-income Californians report experiencing twice as many civil legal problems in a year as nonindigent Californians. Approximately 20 percent of Californians live in poverty and rely on these services for their civil legal needs.
Currently, almost 100 organizations receive IOLTA grants from the State Bar. In 2018 the State Bar distributed over $51 million to support civil legal aid. (This includes other funds besides IOLTA, such as the Equal Access Fund and the Greg E. Knoll Justice Gap Fund.) Top areas where these organizations provided legal assistance included housing, immigration, and family law/domestic violence cases. In 2017, almost 5,000 families were able to stay in their homes, over $16 million in unpaid wages were recovered, and over 2,000 individuals were able to obtain or maintain their health insurance as a result of civil legal aid.
When is the deadline to submit my audit packet? What happens if I miss the deadline?
The deadline to show proof of compliance is stated on your MCLE Audit Notice. If you fail to submit adequate proof of compliance by the deadline, you will be assessed a $103 penalty for late compliance, and you will receive a Non-Compliance Notice that gives you 60 days to comply. If you do not submit adequate proof of compliance and pay the late fee within that time period, you will be placed on Not Eligible to Practice status until you submit the required proof of compliance, pay the $103 non-compliance fee, and pay an additional $308 reinstatement fee.
I can’t find all of my certificates. What can I do?
If you are unable to locate your certificates or proof of course completion, please contact your provider immediately to request a copy of the attendance certificate or a printout. Many providers are happy to assist. However, please note that California MCLE course providers are not required to issue replacement certificates. The State Bar only mandates that they provide the original certificate received upon course completion.
Could my spouse’s income affect my eligibility for fee scaling?
You must include 50 percent of any joint income (interest, dividends, business income, rent and royalties, for example) when determining your total gross annual individual income.
However, you may exclude your spouse’s wages and salary in the calculation of your total gross annual individual income.
If filing jointly, during an audit you will be required to provide all supporting documents including W-2’s of spouses.
What is the Fresh Start Settlement Program?
The Fresh Start Settlement Program is the State Bar’s Offer and Compromise Program authorized by State Bar Rule 3.1000. It is a one-year program enabling the State Bar to allow current and former licensees to settle certain outstanding debt consisting of discipline costs, client security fund reimbursement, and monetary sanctions accrued prior to January 1, 2025 for less than the amount owed. The Board of Trustees determined there is good cause for this program to enhance repayment rates while mitigating the severe consequences of debt for current and former licensees. Eligible debt will be confidentiality listed within the Fresh Start Settlement Program Platform.
What if I cannot find my PIN for the website?
Call 1-855-394-5084. They will help you recover your PIN after authenticating your identity.
After I sign the Settlement and Release of Claims Agreement, when do I have to pay?
You can elect to pay immediately in one lump-sum payment or choose to pay in installments. If you chose to pay in installments, full payment must be received by December 31, 2025.
Are there any ACH or credit card transaction fees?
No, the State Bar is covering all transaction fees.
How do I apply for participation in the DEI Leadership Seal program?
Can solo practitioners participate in the program?
Unfortunately, currently, the program is not well-suited for or targeted to solo practitioners because the Action Items focus on improving diversity, equity, and inclusion among attorneys and staff of multiple people. The State Bar will consider opportunities for solo practitioners to engage in its DEI work in other ways and encourages feedback on how best to do so.
My employer is a committed participating employer. What do we need to do to continue participating in the program? What documentation is required to remain in the program?
Committed participating employers that applied and were approved in 2024 must implement at least 5 of the 10 Action Items by September 23, 2025. Please use the DEI Leadership Seal Tier Advancement Application to submit this material by the September 23 deadline.
1.1 What is the purpose of the Client Trust Account Protection Program (CTAPP)?
CTAPP is a proactive regulatory program designed to:
Protect the public by ensuring proper accounting and safeguards for client and third-party funds entrusted to attorneys; and
Educate, support, and assist attorneys in complying with the ethical and accounting requirements of managing client trust accounts.
2.4 What are the consequences of noncompliance with the requirements of client trust reporting?
A licensee who fails to satisfy the requirements of CTAPP and its associated rules by the deadline will be assessed a noncompliance penalty. If the licensee still does not comply, they will be enrolled as an inactive licensee of the State Bar under the rules adopted by the Board of Trustees of the State Bar. Inactive enrollment imposed for noncompliance with the requirements of this program is cumulative and does not preclude a disciplinary proceeding or other actions for violations of the State Bar Act, the Rules of Professional Conduct, or other applicable laws. (See FAQ 2.12, below, for a discussion of the unauthorized practice of law by inactive licensees.)
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