MCLE FAQs for Newly Licensed Attorneys
Just the FAQs
Mandatory Continuing Legal Education for Newly Licensed Attorneys
What Is The MCLE Requirement For Attorneys?
The MCLE Requirement for all Active Members of the Virginia State Bar is 12 credit hours of CLE including 2 hours in the area of legal ethics or professionalism each reporting period. Of the 12 required hours a minimum of 4 credit hours must be from live, interactive programs. Pre-recorded courses are limited to 8 credit hours per compliance year.
What Is The MCLE Reporting Period?
The MCLE reporting period runs from November 1 to October 31.
When Do I Begin To Report?
Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from the MCLE requirement for the reporting period in which they are eligible to be licensed. Any MCLE credit earned after your notification of successfully passing the bar exam and prior to October 31 of that same year can be carried over to the following reporting period. For example, if you are eligible between November 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012, your first MCLE completion period begins November 1, 2012.
Are There Any Special Requirements For Newly Admitted Attorneys?
All Active attorneys must take the Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course provided by the State Bar within 12 months of becoming an active member. This is a separate requirement from your MCLE requirement however you may earn CLE credit for your attendance.
Where Can I Find Information on Approved Courses?
The Virginia State Bar website provides important information relating to bar membership and services as well as calendar information. The MCLE page provides information on approved courses and sponsors as well as course approval standards and attorney compliance.
How Do I Report Attendance at Courses?
The sponsor of the course should provide a Certificate of Attendance (Form 2) upon completion of the program. You may review your MCLE record and certify your attendance at most courses on the members area of the VSB website or you may mail or fax the form to the MCLE office. If a sponsor does not supply the certification, you should contact the MCLE Department to see if the course is approved and to receive further instructions.
May I seek relief from my MCLE obligations under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?
Yes, Active Duty members of the bar stationed outside of Virginia in a combat zone may seek relief under the SCRA for MCLE obligations by providing a copy of their orders to the VSB. Please contact the MCLE Department at (804) 775-0577 or firstname.lastname@example.org for specific requirements. (50 U.S.C. App. §§501-596, Public Law 108-189)
If I Have Questions?
Please feel free to contact the MCLE Department at (804) 775-0577 or email@example.com with any questions or if you need assistance in any way.
This information is not intended to be a complete representation of the requirements of the Virginia Supreme Court Rules or the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Regulations that govern the Virginia State Bar. For specific provision details refer to the complete text available on the VSB website or contact the MCLE Office.