Navigating California’s MCLE Updates with PLI

The State Bar of California has recently announced updates to the MCLE requirements. Beginning with attorneys in the compliance groups with compliance periods ending January 31, 2025, or later, there will be new course requirements and credit types that all licensees should be aware of:

  1. Technology in the Practice of Law (one hour required)
    • Courses that focus on technology in the practice of law. This includes education on technology tools, programs, or applications to assist attorneys in their law practice.
  2. Civility in the Legal Profession (one hour required)
    • Courses under this requirement will cover the crucial relationship between civility and bias, addressing incivility directed at both opposing parties or counsel and the judiciary.
  3. Competence (Increased from one to two hours)
    • At least one hour focused on Prevention and Detection Competence that addresses substance use or other mental or physical issues that impair a licensee's ability to perform legal services with competence (prevention and detection competence)
    • An optional hour focused on Wellness Competence, which may include physical and mental wellness and wellbeing or stress management, in the context of the practice of law and the impact these issues can have on an attorney's ability to perform legal services with competence.

Please note there is no change to the Legal Ethics, Recognition and Elimination of Bias, and Implicit Bias credit requirements. There is also no change to the overall number of credits required, which remains at twenty‑five per compliance period.

Have more questions?  Visit the California FAQ page on PLI’s Help Center.


Get a head start on these requirements with PLI’s:

 

Key Changes to Note:

  • Technology in the Practice of Law:
    One hour of education dedicated to understanding and utilizing technology tools, programs, and applications that elevate the legal practice

  • Civility in the Legal Profession:
    One hour of education that addresses civility in the legal profession. This includes education that discusses the link between civility and bias, incivility that is directed at opposing parties or counsel, and incivility aimed at the judiciary.

  • Enhanced Competence Credit:
    Now spanning two hours, including at least one mandatory hour in Prevention and Detection Competence concerning substance use or other potentially impairing issues. Plus, an optional hour on the significance of Wellness Competence in the legal profession and its impact on competence.

  • Required of all California-licensed attorneys with compliance periods ending January 31, 2025, and later. Attorneys can begin earning these new credits on October 1, 2023.