California Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

California CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	25 credit hours every three-year compliance period
Subfield / Specialty Requirements	4 ethics; 2 elimination of bias (1 implicit bias); 2 competence (1 wellness); 1 technology; 1 civility
Participatory vs Self-Study	At least 12.5 hours must be participatory; up to 12.5 hours may be self-study
Compliance Period	36 months (varies by compliance group)
Reporting Deadline	The day after the compliance period ends (varies by group)
Carryover Credit	Excess credit cannot be carried forward
Exemptions / Special Rules	Certain public officials, professors, and government attorneys are exempt
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys must report compliance via My State Bar Profile

Overview

California attorneys must complete 25 hours of MCLE credit every three years. Required topics include ethics, elimination of bias, competence, technology, and civility. At least half of these hours must be participatory, meaning live or interactive, while the remaining hours may be self-study. Attorneys are assigned to one of three compliance groups based on the first letter of their last name and must report compliance through the State Bar’s online system at the end of their cycle.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 25 hours required during each 36-month compliance period
• Subfield / specialty requirements:
  • 4 hours of ethics or professional responsibility
  • 2 hours on elimination of bias (including 1 hour on implicit bias)
  • 2 hours on competence (including 1 hour on wellness)
  • 1 hour on technology in law practice
  • 1 hour on civility
• At least 12.5 hours must be participatory; up to 12.5 hours may be self-study
• Self-study activities include reading, writing, or online courses with assessments
• Teaching, writing, and bar service may qualify for credit if approved

Compliance Period

• Each attorney is assigned to one of three compliance groups (A–G, H–M, N–Z) based on last name
• The standard compliance cycle is 36 months
• Attorneys must report completion of all requirements by the end of their cycle

Reporting and Deadlines

• Compliance reports are submitted through the State Bar’s My State Bar Profile
• Attorneys must file by the day after their compliance period ends
• Providers must report attendance and maintain records for four years
• Attorneys must retain proof of attendance for at least one year after reporting

Carryover Rules

• Excess CLE credit cannot be carried forward into the next compliance period

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Exemptions may apply for:
  • Full-time state or federal officials who do not practice privately
  • Full-time law professors at accredited schools
  • Full-time government attorneys who do not engage in private practice
• Attorneys may apply for hardship modifications under Rule 2.55
• Newly admitted attorneys begin their first compliance cycle upon admission, with credit requirements prorated

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE activities must meet State Bar standards under the Rules of the State Bar (Title 2, Division 4)
• Providers must offer written materials and verify attendance
• Nontraditional credit options may include:
  • Teaching CLE or law courses
  • Writing legal publications
  • Mock trial or professional education participation
• All courses and materials must maintain educational integrity and meet MCLE verification standards

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE receive a notice of noncompliance
• Continued noncompliance may result in placement on inactive status (suspension from practice)
• Reinstatement requires proof of completion and payment of fees

How to Report CLE in California

1. Log in to My State Bar Profile
2. Go to the MCLE Compliance section
3. Enter your completed CLE activities (participatory and self-study)
4. Verify subfield requirements are satisfied
5. Submit your compliance report by the required deadline
6. Retain certificates and documentation for one year

California CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in California?

25 hours every three years, including required subfields in ethics, bias, competence, technology, and civility.

How many hours must be participatory?

At least 12.5 hours must be participatory.

Can I carry forward unused credits?

No. California does not allow carryover of CLE credit.

Who is exempt from MCLE in California?

Full-time public officials, law professors, and government attorneys who do not practice privately.

What happens if I do not complete my CLE on time?

You may receive a notice of noncompliance and be placed on inactive status until you complete your requirements and pay any fees.

What counts as self-study?

Self-study may include reading, writing, or online activities that do not require live participation but meet Bar standards.

Do teaching or writing activities count for CLE?

Yes, attorneys can earn credit for teaching CLE programs or publishing legal works if approved by the State Bar.

California CLE Resources

• California MCLE Requirements: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Attorneys/MCLE-CLE/Requirements
• MCLE Rules (Title 2, Division 4): https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/RulesTitle2Div4-MCLE.pdf
• MCLE Provider Information: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Attorneys/MCLE-CLE/MCLE-Providers
• MCLE FAQ: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Attorneys/MCLE-CLE/FAQ