MCLE - THE BASICS
By Neil H. Good
1. If your last name begins with the letters A-M you must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education by June 30, 2008. This increases to 24 hours by 2010, then 30 hours by 2012. This includes a minimum of 4 hours of ethics training (this requirement does not change even as we move to the 30 hours).
2. If your last name begins with the letters N-Z you must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education by June 30, 2009. This increases to 24 hours by 2011 and then to 30 hours by 2013. This includes a minimum 4 hours of ethics training (this requirement does not change even as we move to the 30 hours).
3. If your last name starts with the letters N-Z you can earn up to 10 hours in the first year, which began July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007, so you actually get 3 years to complete the first 20 hours. Remember, you can only earn 10 credit hours the first year.
4. At the end of your "reporting period," the MCLE Board will mail out a certification form to be filled out. You will have 31 days to fill out the form, reporting to the MCLE "arm" of the Supreme Court whether you have completed, not completed or are exempt from the MCLE requirement. You have until July 31 to send in your certification form.
5. You are responsible to maintain proof that you went to the classes, with certificates from the classes for 3 years. The commission can audit your certificates.
6. If you fail to report or meet the requirements of the MCLE Board you will be removed from the master rolls, and you will not be eligible to practice law in Illinois. This is not a "disciplinary action."
7. No partial credit will be given for committee meetings, dinner meetings, or course work if you are late or leave early!
8. Attorneys that are judges, disabled, in the military, retired, inactive or out of state may be exempt, but they still must report to the MCLE Commission. |
