MCLE Requirements for Certified Specialists

Attorneys certified by the State Bar of California as Legal Specialists are required to submit a separate form for Legal Specialist Continuing Legal Education (LSCLE). This is in addition to the standard Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) report and must be filed at the same time.

For attorneys in Compliance Group 3 (last names beginning with N–Z at the time of admission), the deadline to report compliance with the 36-hour LSCLE requirement is March 30, 2026. Please ensure this requirement is fulfilled separately from the general MCLE requirement to avoid confusion or noncompliance.

To report compliance:

  • File a compliance card.
  • Report compliance in the Applicant Portal. Log in to the Applicant Portal, select Applications, select View Application Forms, scroll down to the Legal Specialization section, and select Legal Specialist Continuing Legal Education (LSCLE) Reporting.

Other resources

  • Read a State Bar letter to learn about special options available to help you meet your requirement.
  • Find an MCLE provider that offers pre-approved legal specialization courses.