Proposal to increase MCLE hours presented for feedback
By Laura Ernde
Staff Writer
The idea of increasing the amount of required continuing
legal education for attorneys is once again under consideration by the Board of
Trustees.
The board’s Admissions and Education Committee voted to seek public
comment on a proposal to increase the required number of Minimum Continuing
Legal Education (MCLE) hours from 25 to 36 every three years and mandate that
at least 12 of the hours be relevant to an attorney’s practice area.
When it last considered increasing the hours in 2013, the board deferred
action. Instead, the board enacted rule changes aimed at expanding course
options and improving their quality.
When it comes to continuing education, California ranks near
the bottom of states that have mandatory requirements, said Pam Wilson, senior director
of the Office of Education. Only Alaska and Hawaii require fewer hours. Other
major professions in California require between 15 and 40 hours per year of
study.
Some board members have indicated they believe the proposal
is a matter of public protection that will ensure that attorneys are competent
in the law.
As part of a separate
proposal, the board in November voted to require 10 additional MCLE hours
for attorneys in their first year of practice. The plan requires approval from
the state Supreme Court and Legislature before it can take effect.
The deadline for public comment is June 26 and the
proposal will then come back to the board at a future meeting.