Minimum Continuing Legal Education

NOTICE: Please note the following updates to MCLE compliance deadlines:

  • Last names A–G (compliance Group 1): Extended to a single 38-month cycle ending March 29, 2025. Report deadline: April 1, 2025.
  • Last names N–Z (compliance Group 3): Extended to a single 38-month cycle ending March 29, 2026. Report deadline: March 30, 2026.
  • Last names H–M (compliance Group 2): Extended to a single 38-month cycle ending March 29, 2027. Report deadline: March 30, 2027.
  • After the single 38-month cycle, each group returns to a standard 36-month cycle starting March 30 of their respective year and ending the day before the deadline 36 months later.

Find your MCLE compliance group.

With a few exceptions, all active State Bar licensees must complete 25 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) in their three-year compliance periods and file a report with the State Bar. The State Bar audits compliance with MCLE requirements.

MCLE Requirements

With a few exceptions, all active State Bar licensees must complete 25 hours of MCLE in their three-year compliance periods and file a report with the State Bar.

Learn More About Requirements

MCLE Compliance

All attorneys (except those on voluntary inactive status) report MCLE compliance by submitting a statement of compliance to the State Bar.

Learn More About Compliance

E-learning Portal

The e-learning portal offers online education and training to support your knowledge and understanding of your professional responsibilities and ethical obligations.

Read About the E-learning Portal

MCLE compliance fees

MCLE noncompliance late fees and reinstatement fees were increased, effective January 1, 2025. Below are the MCLE compliance fees.

Fee TypeFees
Late Fee Penalty$103
E-mod$103
Reinstatement$308
MCLE Credit Request$103

New Attorney Training Program

New attorneys must complete the New Attorney Training by the last day of the month of an attorney’s one-year anniversary as a State Bar licensee.

Read More About the Program

Continuing Legal Education

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) offers education to help attorneys stay current with new laws or expand their legal expertise.

Read More About CLE

MCLE Providers

The State Bar is the only entity authorized to approve providers and education activities for MCLE credit.

Read More About MCLE Providers

MCLE Rules

The MCLE Rules and Regulations were approved by the Board of Trustees on Dec. 8, 1990, and the MCLE program officially began on February 1, 1992.

Read MCLE Rules

Additional information

Questions?

If you have questions, please fill out the Licensee Records and Compliance Inquiry form or contact:

MCLE Compliance Program
The State Bar of California
180 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105