The MCLE requirement for all active Virginia lawyers is 12 hours out of which two hours must be in ethics/professionalism and four hours must be from live-interactive programs.
The information below 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 of MCLE Regulations or contact the MCLE office at (804) 775-0577 or [email protected].
MCLE FAQs for Newly Licensed Attorneys
What is the MCLE reporting period?
The MCLE reporting period runs from November 1 to October 31. Review all MCLE deadlines here.
When do I begin to report?
Attorneys are exempt from the MCLE requirement for the period in which they are first admitted. Hours earned during the exemption period can be reported to your CLE record and the hours will carry forward to the next completion period. A maximum of 12.0 hours including 2.0 ethics hours and 4.0 live hours may be carried forward.
How do I report attendance at courses?
CLE providers will issue a Certificate of Attendance (Form 2) upon completion of an approved program. Certify your attendance online at the VSB Portal or mail certificates 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. Attorneys are encouraged to certify attendance as soon as possible and well before the December 15 reporting deadline.
May I seek relief from my MCLE obligations under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?
Yes, active duty lawyers 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 [email protected] for specific requirements. (50 U.S.C. App. §§501-596, Public Law 108-189)
If I have questions?
Contact the MCLE Department at (804) 775-0577 or [email protected].