You can file your MCLE report online at MoBar.org/MCLEreporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green “Compliant” status on your account and an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. If you are not in compliance and have not filed your Annual Report, you will see a red “Not Yet Compliant” status. 

Under Rule 15, lawyers who are licensed to practice in Missouri had until June 30 to complete a total of 15 CLE hours (three being ethics hours, one of which being elimination of bias) within the 2025-2026 compliance year – July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. 

If you do not obtain a deficiency plan, do not complete your CLE hours, or do not file your annual MCLE report by Aug. 31, you may be assessed a $200 late fee. An additional $50 will be assessed at the end of each successive month in which you have not complied with MCLE requirements. 

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2027. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and subject to an additional $100 suspension fee. 

The Missouri Bar is here to help you throughout the MCLE process. Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for 2025-2026 compliance and reporting information, online tutorial videos, frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources. Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233. 

How many CLE hours do I need to complete?

Under Rule 15, lawyers licensed to practice in Missouri must complete a total of 15 CLE hours within the compliance year, between July 1 and June 30 of the following year. Three of the 15 hours must be devoted to ethics topics, and one of the ethics hours must focus on diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, or elimination of bias.

Where can I get CLE credits?

The Missouri Bar has several programs that cover a wide array of topics – including CLE opportunities at the virtual Spring Committee Meetings April 27-30 and the MOSOLO Small Firm Conference June 11-13 in Osage Beach. Between June 17-29, there will be four sections of the CLE Express, where lawyers can earn all their MCLE credits in one day.

Visit MoBarCLE.MoBar.org for a full list of in-person, virtual, and self-study programs.

You can also receive CLE credit from speaking engagements and writing articles on legal topics that are published in professional journals, like the Journal of The Missouri Bar.

I completed my MCLE hours. Now what?

Once you have completed your MCLE hours, you must file your annual MCLE compliance report online by July 31 at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green “Compliant” status. You will also receive an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. If you are not in compliance and have not filed your annual report, you will see a red “Not Yet Compliant” status.

What should I do if I need more time to complete my MCLE hours or file my report?

If you need additional time to complete your hours or file your annual MCLE report, you can fill out a deficiency plan at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. You may request deficiency plans beginning July 1, and the plans are only available until July 31.

Lawyers with deficiency plans have until Sept. 30 to obtain the required CLE hours and file their reports.

What happens if I don’t complete my MCLE hours and file my report?

You will be assessed a $200 late fee if you do not have a deficiency plan, have not completed your CLE hours, and have not filed your annual MCLE report by Aug. 31. You will be assessed an additional $50 at the end of each successive month in which you have not complied with your MCLE requirements.

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2027. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and are subject to an additional $100 suspension fee.

Where should I go for more information about my MCLE requirements?

Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for online tutorial videos, in-depth frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources.

Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233.

The Missouri Bar also sends important emails regarding CLE opportunities and MCLE requirement reminders, so remember to remove email filters on bar communications and have an updated email address on file to avoid missing vital information. If you marked Missouri Bar communications as spam in the past, call 573-638-2233 to ensure you are receiving essential emails.

You can file your MCLE report online at MoBar.org/MCLEreporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green “Compliant” status on your account and an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. If you are not in compliance and have not filed your annual report, you will see a red “Not Yet Compliant” status. 

Under Rule 15, lawyers who are licensed to practice in Missouri had until June 30 to complete a total of 15 CLE hours (three being ethics hours) within the 2024-2025 compliance year – July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. 

If you need more time to complete your CLE hours or file your annual MCLE report, you can submit a deficiency plan until July 31. Deficiency plans are available at MoBar.org/MCLEreporting. Lawyers with deficiency plans have until Sept. 30 to obtain and file their MCLE hours. 

You may be assessed a $200 late fee if you do not obtain a deficiency plan, do not complete your CLE hours, and do not file your annual MCLE reports by the deadline. An additional $50 will be assessed at the end of each successive month in which you have not complied with MCLE requirements. 

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2026. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and subject to an additional $100 suspension fee. 

Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for 2024-2025 compliance and reporting information, online tutorial videos, frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources. Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233. 

Annual Law Update: June 13, 18, 23, 26

10.0 MCLE | 1.0 Ethics

7:40 a.m.-6:07 p.m.| Virtual

This virtual program covers key legal areas such as appellate, civil trial, employment, workers' compensation, family, bankruptcy, real estate, probate, torts, criminal law, and ethics. Industry professionals from prominent Missouri firms will provide updates and insights, making it an essential opportunity for lawyers to fulfill their MCLE needs. Register for 2025 Annual Law Update

CLE Express: June 11, 17, 21, 25

15.5 MCLE | 4.1 ethics | 1.0 Elimination of Bias 

7 a.m.-8:42 p.m. | Virtual

Lawyers can earn all 15 hours of MCLE for the compliance year in this one-day virtual program. Learn about updates to various areas of law, U.S. Supreme Court Highlights, and ethical dilemmas. 

Register for 2025 CLE Express

Ethics Express: June 12, 24, 28, 30

3.0 MCLE | 3.0 Ethics | 1.0 Elimination of Bias

9-11:44 a.m. (June 12, 24, 28, and first June 30 session); Second June 30 session: Noon-2:44 p.m. | Virtual

Need to complete your MCLE ethics requirements? This virtual program is the perfect opportunity to take care of your ethics credits in less than three hours. 

Learn from these topics:

- Shakira, secrets and scandals: Attorney ethics and the world of offshore deals
- The rise and fall of Rudy Giuliani: Lessons in legal ethics from a public scandal
- Harmony in justice: Using R&B to address bias and diversity in the legal profession

Register for 2025 Ethics Express

Pre-litigation investigations: June 11

1.1 MCLE

9-9:54 a.m. | Virtual

Refresh your knowledge and skills in this virtual program on an overview of what lawyers should consider investigating prior to filing suit or taking a case. This program will cover steps to take to set your client and case up for success when first receiving a potential claim, including saving evidence, securing witness information, determining expert needs, and defining a strategy early. Register for virtual program

Cognitive biases and their effect on negotiations and decision-making: June 16, 26

1.1 MCLE | 1.1 Ethics | 1.1 Elimination of Bias 

June 16: 10-10:54 a.m. and June 26: noon-12:54 p.m. | Virtual

As human beings, our brains are wired to make cognitive shortcuts based on our previous experiences and unconscious assumptions. Learn how implicit cognitive biases can negatively affect the ability of lawyers and their clients to effectively interpret information and make objective decisions in the mediation context, including way to improve decision-making abilities. Register for virtual program

YLS Trial Skills Workshop: June 20

8.0 MCLE

9 a.m.-3:49 p.m. | Virtual

Join this virtual program focused on essential trial skills! Whether you’re new to the profession or a seasoned pro, you’ll learn from a distinguished panel of speakers who will cover everything from voir dire to closing statements.

Register for 2025 YLS Trial Skills Workshop

Successful succession: Make a plan for your firm: June 25

1.0 MCLE | 1.0 Ethics

9-9:52 a.m. | Virtual

Plan ahead for your firm and safeguard your professional legacy. Without proactive planning, the abrupt sale or closure of a firm can have disastrous consequences — not only for your clients but also for your family and colleagues.

In this program, you'll learn:

- Ethical considerations surrounding proper client communication in the event of sale or incapacity
- Proper retention and destruction policies for client files
- How to designate a trustee in the event of incapacity or inability to continue practicing
- What to consider when you want to sell your practice

Register for 2024 Successful succession

Bots and boundaries: Ethical considerations in a world of rapidly evolving legal AI usage: June 27 

1.0 MCLE | 1.0 Ethics 

noon-12:50 p.m. | Virtual

Hear about the importance of carefully considering ethical rules and risks in making AI choices as it rapidly evolves in the legal industry. Register for 2025 Bots and Boundaries

Click here for a full list of MoBarCLE programs in June. Visit MoBar.org/MCLE to record your hours, file your My MCLE annual compliance report, and read frequently asked questions.

How many CLE hours do I need to complete?

Under Rule 15, lawyers licensed to practice in Missouri must complete a total of 15 CLE hours within the compliance year, between July 1 and June 30 of the following year. Three of the 15 hours must be devoted to ethics topics, and one of the ethics hours must focus on diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, or elimination of bias.

Where can I get CLE credits?

The Missouri Bar has several programs that cover a wide array of topics – including CLE opportunities at the virtual Spring Committee Meetings April 29-May 3 and the hybrid MOSOLO Small Firm Conference June 5-7. Between June 11-15, there will be four sections of the CLE Express, where lawyers can earn all their MCLE ethics in one day.

If you are early in your career, you may also want to check out The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section’s Accelerator Series, with CLE sessions featuring a different program each month. Between now and June 30, lawyers can gain insights on effective client communication, strategies for building a successful practice, and ethical considerations for solo and small firm owners.

Visit MoBarCLE.MoBar.org for a full list of in-person, virtual, and self-study programs.

You can also receive CLE credit from speaking engagements and writing articles on legal topics that are published in professional journals, like the Journal of The Missouri Bar.

The Missouri Bar sends important emails regarding CLE opportunities and MCLE requirement reminders, so remember to remove email filters on bar communications and have an updated email address on file to avoid missing vital information. If you marked Missouri Bar communications as spam in the past, call 573-638-2233 to ensure you are receiving essential emails.

I completed my MCLE hours. Now what?

Once you have completed your MCLE hours, you must file your annual MCLE compliance report online by July 31 at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green “Compliant” status. You will also receive an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. If you are not in compliance and have not filed your annual report, you will see a red “Not Yet Compliant” status.

What should I do if I need more time to complete my MCLE hours or file my report?

If you need additional time to complete your hours or file your annual MCLE report, you can fill out a deficiency plan at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. You may request deficiency plans beginning July 1, and the plans are only available until July 31.

Lawyers with deficiency plans have until Sept. 30 to obtain the required CLE hours and file their reports.

What happens if I don’t complete my MCLE hours and file my report?

You will be assessed a $200 late fee if you do not have a deficiency plan, have not completed your CLE hours, and have not filed your annual MCLE report by Aug. 31. You will be assessed an additional $50 at the end of each successive month in which you have not complied with your MCLE requirements.

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2025. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and are subject to an additional $100 suspension fee.

Where should I go for more information about my MCLE requirements?

Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for online tutorial videos, in-depth frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources.

Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233.

You can file your MCLE report online at MoBar.org/MCLEreporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green “Compliant” status on your account and an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. If you are not in compliance and have not filed your annual report, you will see a red “Not Yet Compliant” status. 

Under Rule 15, lawyers who are licensed to practice in Missouri had until June 30 to complete a total of 15 CLE hours (three being ethics hours) within the 2023-2024 compliance year – July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. 

If you need more time to complete your CLE hours or file your annual MCLE report, you can submit a deficiency plan until July 31. Deficiency plans are available at MoBar.org/MCLEreporting. Lawyers with deficiency plans have until Sept. 30 to obtain and file their MCLE hours. 

You may be assessed a $200 late fee if you do not obtain a deficiency plan, do not complete your CLE hours, and do not file your annual MCLE reports by the deadline. An additional $50 will be assessed at the end of each successive month in which you have not complied with MCLE requirements. 

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2025. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and subject to an additional $100 suspension fee. 

Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for 2023-2024 compliance and reporting information, online tutorial videos, frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources. Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233. 

Lawyers licensed to practice in Missouri must complete a total of 15 MCLE hours between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. While the deadline to complete your MCLE hours is quickly approaching, there are 60-plus CLE programs in June that can help you reach that goal.

June 6-8: MOSOLO Small Firm Conference

16.6 MCLE | 8.4 Ethics | 1.0 Elimination of Bias

The annual MOSOLO Small Firm Conference will be held online and in person at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach. With over 60 CLE programs and networking opportunities, solo and small firm practitioners will come away with valuable tips and tools to implement in their offices. Click here to register.

June 10, 17, 24, and 26: Annual law update

10.0 MCLE | 1.0 Ethics

The popular “Annual Law Update” program gives lawyers the chance to learn of recent changes to various areas of law, including family, employment, ethics, criminal, probate, and more. All four sessions will be held from 7:40 a.m.-3:25 p.m. online. Click here to select the date and register.

June 11, 22, 25, 27: CLE express

15.0 MCLE | 4.0 Ethics | 1.0 Elimination of Bias

The popular “CLE Express” is back, where lawyers can earn all 15 hours of MCLE for the compliance year in one day online. From 7 a.m.-6:58 p.m., lawyers will learn about updates to various areas of law, highlights from the U.S. Supreme Court, and ethical dilemmas. Click here to select the date and register.

June 13: Taylor Swift is a genius. Even about legal ethics

1.0 MCLE | 1.0 Ethics

Join the CLE speaker Stuart Teicher from noon-12:53 p.m. online as he talks about how the ethics rules are invoked in some of Taylor Swift’s run-ins with the legal system. Click here to register.

June 14: Avoiding ethical pitfalls in mediation and arbitration

1.0 MCLE | 1.0 Ethics

Lawyers participating in mediation or arbitration must be aware of ethical tripwires for everyone involved: mediators and arbitrators, other attorneys, and even their clients. In this CLE program from noon-12:52 p.m., speakers Kim L. Kirn and C.J. Larkin, with United States Arbitration & Mediation in St. Louis will discuss examples from real cases to help lawyers increase their ability to identify ethical boundaries and to respond with optimal strategies. Click here to register.

June 19: Cognitive biases and their effect on negotiations and decision-making

1.1 MCLE | 1.1 Ethics | 1.1 Elimination of bias

In this CLE program, Angela D. Gupta, with Associates in Dispute Resolution LLC, will discuss how implicit cognitive biases can negatively affect the ability of lawyers and their clients to effectively interpret information and make objective decisions in the mediation context. She will also dive into ways to raise your awareness of implicit biases and potentially improve your decision-making abilities. The program lasts from noon-12:54 p.m. Click here to register.

June 20 and 28: Ethics express

3.1 MCLE | 3.1 Ethics | 1.0 Elimination of Bias

In less than two hours, lawyers can earn their three hours of ethics credit as part of their MCLE hours. From noon-2:45 p.m., CLE speaker Stuart Teicher will present three ethics presentations – “Cat proverbs and attorney ethics,” “Airplane etiquette and attorney ethics,” and “Stuart travels to Alabama to teach about diversity and inclusion.” Click here to select a date and register.

June 27: Ten coping skills that come from the ethics rules

1.0   MCLE | 1.0 Ethics

Getting through the rigors of the practice of law can be a challenge, but luckily lawyers have the ethics rules to guide the way. In this presentation from noon-12:52 p.m., CLE speaker Stuart Teicher will show how certain rules of ethics reveal important coping mechanisms for all lawyers. Click here to register.

Click here for a full list of MoBarCLE programs in June. Visit MoBar.org/MCLE to record your hours, file your My MCLE annual compliance report, and read frequently asked questions.

With online programs, lawyers can select CLE opportunities that fit into their hectic schedules. But remember: Not all online programs count for live MCLE credit.

Missouri lawyers can earn their 15 MCLE hours in various ways, such as participating in live programs or self-study activities.

Live programs – programs that have scheduled start and stop times and are happening in real time. If a program is pre-recorded, it must have a live moderator who is present while you watch the program and who engages with the audience in real time. These credits can be carried over to the following year.

“On-demand” programs – programs that are not live and can be accessed and viewed at any time by the viewer. On-demand videos and audio legal materials count for self-study credit. A lawyer may receive up to six hours of self-study credit in a reporting year, but a lawyer can’t use self-study credit to satisfy ethics or elimination of bias requirements. Self-study credit also doesn’t count towards the following year’s carryover credits.

To help decide whether an online program counts for live MCLE credit, follow the flowchart below. All Missouri Bar members are responsible for performing this analysis for every program they take, regardless of how sponsors advertise the programs.

Missouri lawyers must complete and report 15 hours of CLE programs or activities each year. At least three of the 15 hours must include ethics programs, seminars, and activities, and at least one of the three ethics credit hours must be devoted exclusively to elimination of bias. For more information, visit MoBar.org/MCLE.

How many CLE hours do I need to complete?

Under Rule 15, lawyers licensed to practice in Missouri must complete a total of 15 CLE hours within the compliance year, between July 1 and June 30 of the following year. Three of the 15 hours must be devoted to ethics topics, and one of the ethics hours must focus on diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, or elimination of bias.

Where can I get CLE credits?

The Missouri Bar has several programs that cover a wide array of topics – including CLE opportunities at the virtual Spring Committee Meetings April 29-May 3 and the hybrid MOSOLO Small Firm Conference June 6-8. Between April 25 and June 28, there will be four sections of the Ethics Express, where lawyers can earn all their MCLE ethics in less than three hours.

If you are early in your career, you may also want to check out The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section’s Accelerator Series, with CLE sessions featuring a different program each month. Between now and June 30, lawyers can learn how to navigate the new redaction rules, tips for advertising and marketing, and ethical considerations for solo and small firm owners.

Visit MoBarCLE.MoBar.org for a full list of in-person, virtual, and self-study programs.

You can also receive CLE credit from speaking engagements and writing articles on legal topics that are published in professional journals, like the Journal of The Missouri Bar.

The Missouri Bar sends important emails regarding CLE opportunities and MCLE requirement reminders, so remember to remove email filters on bar communications and have an updated email address on file to avoid missing vital information. If you marked Missouri Bar communications as spam in the past, call 573-638-2233 to ensure you are receiving essential emails.

I completed my MCLE hours. Now what?

Once you have completed your MCLE hours, you must file your annual MCLE compliance report online by July 31 at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green “Compliant” status. You will also receive an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. If you are not in compliance and have not filed your annual report, you will see a red “Not Yet Compliant” status.

What should I do if I need more time to complete my MCLE hours or file my report?

If you need additional time to complete your hours or file your annual MCLE report, you can fill out a deficiency plan at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. You may request deficiency plans beginning July 1, and the plans are only available until July 31.

Lawyers with deficiency plans have until Sept. 30 to obtain the required CLE hours and file their reports.

What happens if I don’t complete my MCLE hours and file my report?

You will be assessed a $200 late fee if you do not have a deficiency plan, have not completed your CLE hours, and have not filed your annual MCLE report by Aug. 31. You will be assessed an additional $50 at the end of each successive month in which you have not complied with your MCLE requirements.

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2025. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and are subject to an additional $100 suspension fee.

Where should I go for more information about my MCLE requirements?

Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for online tutorial videos, in-depth frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources.

Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233.

MCLE 

Minimum Continuing Legal Education, or MCLE, was approved by the Supreme Court of Missouri in 1988 and requires all members of The Missouri Bar, dependent on licensure status, to meet yearly continuing legal education requirements as set out in Rule 15 of the Missouri Court Rules and Regulations. 

Lawyers report their earned credits to the bar’s MCLE department. Credits can be from various sources, though they will only count if they are accredited. The Missouri Bar maintains a searchable list of programs accredited in Missouri here. Lawyers can also request MCLE credit for a program not already approved by a sponsor here.  

Lawyers must earn a minimum of 15 credit hours to be Rule 15 compliant. Hours must be completed by June 30 and filed by July 31 of each year. MCLE annual reports are filed online. The Missouri Bar is always working to improve the online reporting process to be nimbler and more user-friendly, and the MCLE department is always available to assist lawyers. 

MCLE and Dispute Resolution Programs Director Shannon Briesacher said the goal of the MCLE department at The Missouri Bar is not to punish lawyers who have difficulty meeting these education requirements, but to assist lawyers in achieving compliance with Rule 15, including sending members an informational mailer with compliance and reporting deadlines, filing information, and answers to frequently asked questions. 

“We continue to send members monthly compliance reminders via email and post. On the MCLE homepage of MoBar.org, we have a number of helpful resources, including a searchable database for upcoming CLE programs that have already received Missouri accreditation,” Briesacher said. “Our online reporting platform allows members to report their CLE hours throughout the year as they are earned.  And, of course, our MCLE team is always available to answer questions and assist our members.” 

MoBarCLE 

MoBarCLE is a department of The Missouri Bar that provides continuing legal education programs and opportunities for lawyers to earn their MCLE. MoBarCLE events include in-person conferences such as the Annual Solo & Small Firm Conference, the Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar, the Annual Family Law Conference, The Missouri Bar’s Annual Meeting, and the Annual Estate, Trust & Elder Law Institute. There are also a plethora of virtual webinars to attend online and a calendar of events for lawyers to plan ahead for their CLE hours. Where MoBarCLE offers programs specific to individual practice areas, lawyers also have access to additional resources, such as deskbooks, to help inform their practice.   

“MoBarCLE provides a robust catalogue of timely and affordable CLE programs for Missouri lawyers.  The MCLE department makes sure that those programs are accredited and can be reported online once the course is completed,” Briesacher said. “For lawyers with special CLE requirements, like those seeking admission without examination, the MCLE department works with the lawyer and MoBarCLE to facilitate attendance and confirm compliance. And MoBarCLE and the MCLE department work together to ensure that lawyers who attend MoBarCLE conferences and programs have access to their course ID numbers for easier reporting and frequent reminders throughout their attendance of the upcoming compliance and filing deadlines.” 

The Missouri Bar is here to help with any questions on concerns regarding MoBarCLE and MCLE. Contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233. For questions about a MoBarCLE program, read the online FAQ or contact the MoBarCLE department.  

You can file your MCLE report online at MoBar.org/MCLEreporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green “Compliant” status on your account and an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. If you are not in compliance and have not filed your annual report, you will see a red “Not Yet Compliant” status.

Under Rule 15, lawyers who are licensed to practice in Missouri had until June 30 to complete a total of 15 CLE hours within the 2022-23 compliance year – July 1, 2022, through June 30.

If you need more time to complete your CLE hours or file your annual MCLE report, you can submit a deficiency plan until July 31. Deficiency plans are available at MoBar.org/MCLEreporting. Lawyers with deficiency plans have until Sept. 30 to obtain and file their MCLE hours.

You will be assessed a $200 late fee if you do not obtain a deficiency plan, do not complete your CLE hours, and do not file your annual MCLE reports by Aug. 31. An additional $50 will be assessed at the end of each successive month in which you have not complied with MCLE requirements.

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2024. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and subject to an additional $100 suspension fee.

Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for 2022-23 compliance and reporting information, online tutorial videos, frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources. Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233.

How many CLE hours do I need to complete?

Under Rule 15, lawyers licensed to practice in Missouri must complete a total of 15 CLE hours within the compliance year, between July 1 and June 30 of the following year. Three of the 15 hours must be devoted to ethics topics, and one of the ethics hours must focus on diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, or elimination of bias. Be sure to have the program number of the session you attended, and report your hours by July 31.

Which programs should I attend to get credits?

MoBarCLE offers a wide range of programs covering an array of legal practices, but we’ve broken down specific programs by practice area to help lawyers find CLE that best serve their needs.

All practice areas:

·    CLE Express-a one day online course that qualifies for all MCLE requirements. The next program date is June 29.

·    Annual Law Update-legal updates spanning multiple areas of law, designed to help Missouri lawyers stay informed. The next program date is June 27.

·    Attend Annual Meeting-build the personal and professional relationships that play an essential role in strengthening the legal profession and justice system. Held Sept. 13-15 online and in-person.

Solo and small firm lawyers:

·    Stuart Teicher programs for ethics and elimination of bias credit-the next online program will be held June 27.

·    Attend the Solo and Small Firm Conference online or in-person (held June 8-10.)

Lawyers in their first five years of practice:

·    The Accelerator Series- a series of online courses designed specifically to provide the most relevant continuing legal education for new or young lawyers. The next program date is July 20. (Tip: bundle two or more Accelerator courses to save 50%)

DWI lawyers:

·    Attend the Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar-advanced techniques, case law updates, and networking opportunities for lawyers and paralegals. Held online and in-person July 27-28.

·    Traffic tickets 101-the next program date is Oct. 25.

Family Law lawyers:

·    8-hour Guardian ad Litem training-8.1 MCLE of online live credit. Next held June 28.

·    3-hour Guardian ad Litem training-3.1 MCLE of online live credit. Next held July 6.

·    Attend the Annual Family Law Conference-a conference geared specifically towards family law lawyers, including Guardian ad Litem and paralegal tracks. Held Aug. 3-5 online and in-person.

Ethics and elimination of bias:

·    Ethics and civility in the practice of law: A panel discussion of ethics and civility in the practice of law under pertinent provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Next held July 11.

·    Ethics Express: fulfill three hours of MCLE, three of ethics, and one elimination of bias requirement for $180. The next program date is June 30.

Estate, Trust and Elder Law lawyers

·    Attend the Estate, Trust & Elder Law Conference-held Oct. 19-20.

See the additional programs available online.

What if I need Kansas Credit?

If attending a live event in which Kansas credit has been approved, you may obtain an affidavit of attendance from the Missouri Bar staff member working the program at the completion of the seminar.

If attending an online event in which Kansas credit has been approved:

You no longer need to enter participation codes during the webinar! We will automatically track your attendance throughout the program. You must attend 95% of the webinar for full Kansas credit. No partial credit will be given. Kansas requires providers directly report participant attendance for all online programs. They do not provide affidavits for online programs.

Reporting of attendance to Kansas CLE is NOT automatic. You must let us know you are seeking credit in Kansas. During the registration process you will have the opportunity to enter your Kansas Supreme Court number. If you do not enter your information at that time, you must email your Kansas Supreme Court number to kscreditrequest@mobar.org within one week of this program for us to report your attendance. In this email, please include the following information:

•    Your full name

•    Kansas Supreme Court number

•    Name of the session(s) you attended

Attendance for this program will be reported to Kansas CLE only for those who participate in 95% of the program. You must participate in the program on the advertised date and time. Listening to a recording on your own time does not qualify for Kansas credit.

I completed my MCLE hours. Now what?

Once you have completed your MCLE hours, you must file your annual MCLE report online by July 31 at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green “Compliant” status. You will also receive an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. If you are not in compliance and have not filed your annual report, you will see a red “Not Yet Compliant” status.

What do I do if I need more time to complete my MCLE hours or file my report?

If you need additional time to complete your hours or file your annual MCLE report, you can fill out a deficiency plan at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. You may request deficiency plans beginning July 1, and the plans are only available until July 31.

Lawyers with deficiency plans have until Sept. 30 to obtain the required CLE hours and file their reports.

What happens if I don’t complete my MCLE hours and file my report?

You will be assessed a $200 late fee if you do not have a deficiency plan, have not completed your CLE hours, and have not filed your annual MCLE report by Aug. 31. You will be assessed an additional $50 at the end of each successive month in which you have not complied with your MCLE requirements.

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2024. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and are subject to an additional $100 suspension fee.

Where should I go for more information about my MCLE requirements?

Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for 2022-2023 compliance and reporting information, online tutorial videos, frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources.

Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233.

Lawyers licensed to practice in Missouri must complete a total of 15 MCLE hours between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. While the deadline to complete your MCLE hours is quickly approaching, there are more than 100 CLE programs coming up in June that can help you reach that goal.

June 3, 15, and 29: Starting in June, The Missouri Bar will launch the new CLE Express, where lawyers can earn all 15 MCLE hours in one day. From 7 a.m.-8:21 p.m. on June 3, 15, and 29, lawyers can attend virtual presentations that cover a wide range of practice areas, including probate law, criminal law, ethics, family law, employment law, and more. Click here to learn more about the programs and register.

June 8-10: The 2023 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference will run from 10 a.m. June 8 to noon June 10 at Osage Beach, for a total of 18.2 hours of MCLE credit, 10.4 ethics hours, and 2.8 elimination of bias hours. The Missouri Bar will also offer recordings of programs to those who wish to attend virtually. Participants will have the option to access program recordings for 90 days, which if viewed after the event can be reported for self-study credit. Click here to view the agenda, preview the program guide, and register for the event.

June 16: The 2023 Annual Bankruptcy Institute will be held virtually from 9 a.m.-4:36 p.m. June 16. The institute features sessions about bankruptcy ethics, business reorganization, elimination of bias, and more from the Eastern and Western districts. Attendees can earn seven hours of MCLE credit, two hours of ethics, and one hour of elimination of bias. Click here to view the lineup of presenters and register for the event.

June 17: The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section and MoBarCLE will host a free CLE from 2-4:30 p.m. June 17 in Kansas City that features a live performance of “The Milly Project” – a theatrical production that tells the true story of Milly Sawyers, an enslaved woman who fought for and won her freedom in Springfield before the Civil War. There will be a panel discussion following the performance. Participants can earn 2.2 hours of MCLE credit, 2.2 hours of ethics, and 2.2 hours of elimination of bias. This is the final live performance with the original cast of “The Milly Project.” Click here to register.

June 26: In this “2023 Expanded remote public access to court records and redaction requirements” CLE, slated for noon-1:15 p.m. June 26, lawyers will receive an overview of the July 1 rule changes and how expanded remote public access will impact the e-filing system. Speakers will also discuss important information about redaction requirements and related ethical responsibilities. Speakers include Hon. Jeffrey W. Bates, with the Missouri Court of Appeals; Catherine Nelson Zacharias, with the Office of State Courts Administration; Melinda J. Bentley, with Legal Ethics Counsel; and David W. Ransin, with Ransin Injury Law. Click here to register for the CLE and earn 1.5 hours of MCLE credit and 1.5 hours of ethics.

June 28: Customized to lawyers starting out in their careers, the new YLS Accelerator series will offer a CLE on “How to avoid a head-on collision between being a lawyer and being your board’s lawyer.” From 9-9:50 a.m. June 28, lawyers can earn one MCLE credit and one hour of ethics by watching this webinar that will feature speakers Dana Tippin Cutler, John E. Tyler, and Donna C. Watson. Click here to register. View other upcoming YLS Accelerator CLEs here, or bundle two or more programs to receive discounted rates.

June 30: On the last day to complete your 2022-23 MCLE hours, The Missouri Bar will host two Ethics Express CLEs on June 30 – one from 9-11:41 a.m. and the other from noon-2:41 p.m. During the Ethics Express, CLE presenter Stuart Teicher will discuss why movie-lawyers would be disciplined, how social media and technology impact ethics, and the importance of inclusion in the law. Lawyers can earn three MCLE hours, three ethics hours, and one elimination of bias hour during each course. Click here to register for this CLE.

Click here for a full list of MoBarCLE programs in June. Visit MoBar.org/MCLE to record your hours, file your My MCLE annual compliance report, and read frequently asked questions.

How many CLE hours do I need to complete?

Under Rule 15, lawyers licensed to practice in Missouri must complete a total of 15 CLE hours within the compliance year, between July 1 and June 30 of the following year. Three of the 15 hours must be devoted to ethics topics, and one of the ethics hours must focus on diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, or elimination of bias.

Where can I get CLE credits?

The Missouri Bar has several programs that cover a wide array of topics – including CLE opportunities at the virtual Spring Committee Meetings May 15-19 and the hybrid MOSOLO Small Firm Conference June 8-10. Starting June 3 and running throughout the year, MOBarCLE is also offering CLE Express, a one-day online course that qualifies for all MCLE requirements. If you are early in your career, you may also want to check out The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section’s new Accelerator Series, with CLE sessions featuring a different program each month organized across four themes.

Visit MoBarCLE.MoBar.org for a full list of in-person, virtual, and self-study programs. You can also receive CLE credit from speaking engagements and writing articles on legal topics that are published in professional journals, like the Journal of The Missouri Bar.

The Missouri Bar sends important emails regarding CLE opportunities and MCLE requirement reminders, so remember to remove email filters on bar communications and have an updated email address on file to avoid missing vital information. If you marked Missouri Bar communications as spam in the past, call 573-638-2233 to ensure you are receiving essential emails.

I completed my MCLE hours. Now what?

Once you have completed your MCLE hours, you must file your annual MCLE report online by July 31 at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green “Compliant” status. You will also receive an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. If you are not in compliance and have not filed your annual report, you will see a red “Not Yet Compliant” status.

What do I do if I need more time to complete my MCLE hours or file my report?

If you need additional time to complete your hours or file your annual MCLE report, you can fill out a deficiency plan at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. You may request deficiency plans beginning July 1, and the plans are only available until July 31.

Lawyers with deficiency plans have until Sept. 30 to obtain the required CLE hours and file their reports.

What happens if I don’t complete my MCLE hours and file my report?

You will be assessed a $200 late fee if you do not have a deficiency plan, have not completed your CLE hours, and have not filed your annual MCLE report by Aug. 31. You will be assessed an additional $50 at the end of each successive month in which you have not complied with your MCLE requirements.

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2024. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and are subject to an additional $100 suspension fee.

Where should I go for more information about my MCLE requirements?

Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for 2022-2023 compliance and reporting information, online tutorial videos, frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources.

Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233.

With online programs, lawyers can select CLE opportunities that fit into their hectic schedules. But remember: Not all online programs count for live MCLE credit.

Missouri lawyers can earn their 15 MCLE hours in various ways, such as participating in live programs or self-study activities.

Live programs – programs that have scheduled start and stop times and are happening in real time. If a program is pre-recorded, it must have a live moderator who is present while you watch the program and who engages with the audience in real time. These credits can be carried over to the following year.

“On-demand” programs – programs that are not live and can be accessed and viewed at any time by the viewer. On-demand videos and audio legal materials count for self-study credit. A lawyer may receive up to six hours of self-study credit in a reporting year, but a lawyer can’t use self-study credit to satisfy ethics or elimination of bias requirements. Self-study credit also doesn’t count towards the following year’s carryover credits.

To help decide whether an online program counts for live MCLE credit, follow the flowchart below. All Missouri Bar members are responsible for performing this analysis for every program they take, regardless of how sponsors advertise the programs.

Missouri lawyers must complete and report 15 hours of CLE programs or activities each year. At least three of the 15 hours must include ethics programs, seminars, and activities, and at least one of the three ethics credit hours must be devoted exclusively to elimination of bias. For more information, visit MoBar.org/MCLE.

File your MCLE report online at MoBar.org/MCLEreporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green "Compliant" status and an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. Lawyers who are not in compliance and have not filed their annual reports will instead see a red "Not Yet Compliant" status.

Starting Sept. 1, any Missouri lawyer who has not completed and filed a 2021-22 MCLE annual report and do not have a deficiency plan will be assessed a $200 late fee, pursuant to Rule 15.06(c). An additional $50 will be assessed at the end of each successive month in which compliance is not obtained.

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2023. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and are subject to an additional $100 suspension fee.

Lawyers must complete 15 hours of continuing legal education programs or activities, with at least three of those 15 hours being devoted to accredited ethics activities and one of the three ethics credits focusing on explicit or implicit bias, diversity, inclusion, or cultural competency. See Supreme Court of Missouri Rule 15 and MoBar.org/MCLE for more information.   

Click here to file your 2021-22 MCLE annual report today!

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for 2021-2022 compliance and reporting information, online tutorial videos, frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources. Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233.

Lawyers can file their MCLE reports online at MoBar.org/MCLEreporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green “Compliant” status and an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. Lawyers who are not in compliance and have not filed their annual reports will see a red “Not Yet Compliant” status.

Under Rule 15, lawyers who are licensed to practice in Missouri had until June 30 to complete a total of 15 CLE hours within the 2021-22 compliance year, between July 1, 2021, and June 30. Three of the 15 hours must be devoted to ethics topics, and one of the ethics hours must focus on diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, or elimination of bias.

If lawyers need more time to complete their CLE hours or file their annual MCLE reports, they can complete deficiency plans from now until July 31. Deficiency plans are available at MoBar.org/MCLEreporting. Lawyers with deficiency plans have until Sept. 30 to obtain and file their MCLE hours.

If lawyers do not obtain deficiency plans, do not complete their CLE hours, and do not file their annual MCLE reports by Aug. 31, they will be assessed a $200 late fee. An additional $50 will be assessed at the end of each successive month in which compliance is not obtained.

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2023. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and subject to an additional $100 suspension fee.

Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for 2021-2022 compliance and reporting information, online tutorial videos, frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources. Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233.

Lawyers licensed to practice in Missouri must complete a total of 15 CLE hours between July 1 and June 30. Three of the 15 hours must be devoted to ethics topics, and one of the ethics hours must focus on diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, or elimination of bias.

While the deadline to complete your minimum continuing legal education hours is quickly approaching, there are several CLE programs coming up over the next two weeks that offer ethics and elimination of bias credits.

The Young Lawyers’ Section of The Missouri Bar will host the premiere of the film, “The Milly Project,” 6-8 p.m. June 21 at Saint Louis University School of Law and 5:30-8 p.m. June 23 at the Polsinelli Conference Center in Kansas City. Originally a play, “The Milly Project” tells the true story of an enslaved woman named Milly Sawyers who fought for and legally won her freedom in Springfield prior to the Civil War. The premiere will include a reception, screening of the new film adaptation, and a panel discussion. It offers 2.2 hours of ethics and 2.2 hours of elimination of bias. Click here to learn more about “The Milly Project” and to register for either of these no-cost programs.

In “2021 #Missouri #Bias & Your Clients,” lawyers Nimrod Chapel and David Barrett will discuss the existence of bias and discrimination, as well as ways lawyers can address discrimination. The webinar starts at noon June 17 and offers 1.3 hours of ethics and 1.3 hours of elimination of bias. Click here to register.

The “2022 Addressing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Small & Mid-Sized Law Firms” webinar will begin at 1 p.m. on June 21. It will discuss how smaller law firms – despite fewer resources – can participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the legal profession. This CLE offers 1.0 hours of ethics and 1.0 hours of elimination of bias. Click here to register for this CLE program.

On June 22, MoBarCLE and YLS will host the “2022 Trial Skills Workshop” from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The webinar will feature eight speakers covering various topics including technology in the courtroom, jury instructions, voir dire, opening statements, and ethics in trial. The program offers 2.0 hours of ethics and 1.0 hours of elimination of bias. Click here to register.

Lawyers Cindy Sharp and Becky Howlett will lead “2021 Learn Mindfulness to Curtail Implicit Bias & Make Ethical Decisions” online from 2-3:03 p.m. on June 24. The webinar will discuss strategies to become aware of one’s own unconscious biases and enhance mindful decision-making. The webinar offers 1.2 hours of ethics and 1.2 hours of elimination of bias. Click here to register.

On June 30 – the last day to complete your MCLE hours – lawyers can attend the “2022 Identifying & Combatting Gender Bias: Examining the Roles of Women Attorneys in Movies and TV” webinar. From noon-1:03 p.m., lawyers will learn how to identify implicit and explicit gender bias in the legal profession by reviewing how Hollywood showcases women lawyers in the media. The CLE offers 1.2 hours of ethics and 1.2 hours of elimination of bias. Click here to register.

Click here for a full list of MoBarCLE programs that are accredited for Missouri ethics credit. You can also view the complete list of CLEs that are accredited for Missouri elimination of bias credit here.

Click here to learn more about your MCLE hours and how you can file your MyMCLE annual compliance report online.

How many CLE hours do I need to complete?

Under Rule 15, lawyers licensed to practice in Missouri must complete a total of 15 CLE hours within the compliance year, between July 1 and June 30 of the following year. Three of the 15 hours must be devoted to ethics topics, and one of the ethics hours must focus on diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, or elimination of bias.

Where can I get CLE credits?

The Missouri Bar has several programs that cover a wide array of topics – including CLE opportunities at the virtual Spring Committee Meetings May 2-6 and the hybrid MOSOLO Small Firm Conference June 9-11. Visit MoBarCLE.MoBar.org for a full list of in-person, virtual, and self-study programs. Lawyers can also receive CLE credit from speaking engagements and writing articles on legal topics that are published in professional journals, like the Journal of The Missouri Bar.

The Missouri Bar also sends important emails regarding CLE opportunities and MCLE requirement reminders, so remember to remove email filters on bar communications and have an updated email address on file to avoid missing vital information.

I completed my CLE hours. Now what?

Once lawyers have completed their CLE hours, they must file their annual minimum continuing legal education reports online by July 31 at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. Reports are automatically submitted upon compliance, and this will be indicated by a green “Compliant” status and an auto-generated email confirming compliance for the reporting year. Lawyers who are not in compliance and have not filed their annual reports will see a red “Not Yet Compliant” status.

What do I do if I need more time to complete my CLE hours and file my report?

If lawyers need additional time to complete their CLE hours or file their annual MCLE reports, they can complete deficiency plans – available at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting. Lawyers may request deficiency plans beginning July 1, and they are only available until July 31.

Lawyers with deficiency plans have until Sept. 30 to obtain the required CLE hours and file their reports.

What happens if I don’t complete my CLE hours and file my report?

Lawyers who do not have deficiency plans, have not completed their CLE hours, and have not filed their annual MCLE reports by Aug. 31 will be assessed a $200 late fee. An additional $50 will be assessed at the end of each successive month in which compliance is not obtained.

The Missouri Bar will submit a list of lawyers who did not comply with Rule 15 to the Supreme Court of Missouri by March 1, 2022. Those lawyers will be automatically suspended from practicing law and are subject to an additional $100 suspension fee.

Where should I go for more information about my MCLE requirements?

Visit MoBar.org/MCLE for 2021-2022 compliance and reporting information, online tutorial videos, frequently asked questions, accredited programs, and other useful resources.

Lawyers can also contact The Missouri Bar MCLE Department at MCLE@MoBar.org or 573-638-2233.

The temporary downtime for the My MCLE online reporting system was necessary due to intermittent MoBar.org website outages caused by heavier-than-normal traffic. The website's increased usage is tied to members accessing MoBarCLE online programming in order to complete their Supreme Court of Missouri Rule 15 minimum continuing legal education requirements by the June 30 deadline. At the same time, a high number of lawyers were reporting completed MCLE credits through the My MCLE online reporting system well in advance of the July 31 deadline.

The Missouri Bar appreciates Missouri lawyers submitting their MCLE compliance reports early. Unfortunately, the influx of heavy traffic across MoBarCLE programming and the My MCLE reporting system, both on MoBar.org, caused unpredictable website outages. Therefore, the bar has temporarily suspended access to the My MCLE online reporting system to best accommodate Missouri lawyers who are completing CLE through the June 30 deadline for such programs to be completed.

The Missouri Bar anticipates access to the My MCLE online reporting system to be restored no later than July 2, 2021. 

Launched in March 2020, the MyMCLE reporting platform is open all year, allowing lawyers to continuously report their attendance at CLE programs. When lawyers log into MyMCLE, they can see their MCLE progress, including how many hours they have completed, how many they still need to comply with Rule 15, and how many rolled over from the previous reporting period. Members can also report exemptions or other CLE activities, like author or speaker credit, through the online platform.

Previously, the online reporting system opened in the spring and closed after the reporting deadlines. If lawyers took CLE courses while the reporting system was closed, they had to hang on to the CLE attendance certificates and other paperwork until the system opened to report their hours, MCLE Director Shannon Briesacher said.

Since its launch, Briesacher said the MCLE team has received positive feedback from members regarding the reporting system’s convenience and improved functionality.

“The ability to record attendance at CLE programs year-round, as well as the automated tracking of compliance and carryover hours, removes a burden for our members in having to retain documentation and compute credit requirements,” she said.

The department is continuing to look for ways to add features and improve the system to help Missouri lawyers even better serve their clients, Briesacher added.

In order to comply with Supreme Court of Missouri Rule 15, Missouri lawyers must complete a total of 15 hours of CLE programs or activities. At least three of the total 15 credit hours must be devoted exclusively to accredited ethics programs, seminars, and activities, including:

• Professionalism,
• Substance abuse,
• Mental health,
• Legal or judicial ethics,
• Malpractice prevention,
• Explicit or implicit bias,
• Diversity,
• Inclusion, or
• Cultural competency.

At least one of the three ethics credit hours must be devoted exclusively to explicit or implicit bias, diversity, inclusion, or cultural competency. Of the 15 hours, up to six hours may be completed through self-study or on-demand programs; however, a member may not satisfy the ethics or elimination of bias requirements through on-demand or self-study programs.

The 2020-2021 compliance period began Oct. 1, 2020, and ends June 30, with annual reports of compliance due by July 31.

What are the MCLE credit requirements for 2019-20?

Lawyers must complete 15 hours of CLE programs or activities. At least three of the total 15 credit hours must be devoted exclusively to accredited ethics activities, including professionalism, substance use, mental health, legal or judicial ethics, malpractice prevention, explicit or implicit bias, diversity, inclusion or cultural competency. At least one of the three ethics credit hours must be devoted exclusively to explicit or implicit bias, diversity, inclusion or cultural competency – programs which fulfill this requirement note “Elimination of Bias” credit. See Supreme Court of Missouri Rule 15.05(a).

How do I file my MCLE Annual Compliance Report?

The Missouri Bar launched a new online MUMCLE reporting platform, providing members a comprehensive mechanism for reporting annual MCLE compliance, requesting program accreditation and tracking compliance throughout the year. File online at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting.

What should I do if I have been unable to complete my required CLE hours?

Lawyers who have not completed the required CLE credit hours may submit a deficiency plan, which will provide an extension of time to complete your MCLE requirements. File your deficiency plan in the online MyMCLE reporting platform by selecting “9. Deficiency Plan.” Deficiency plan requests should be made before the Oct. 31, 2020, reporting deadline for the compliance period.

What happens if I do not file my MCLE Annual Report by Oct. 31, 2020?

Lawyers who are not in compliance with Rule 15 by Dec. 31, 2020, will be notified and incur a $200 late fee. The late fee for compliance before the end of each successive month shall increase by $50 until compliance is established, not to exceed $500. Pursuant to Supreme Court of Missouri Rule 15.06, a list of lawyers who are not in compliance with Rule 15 will be submitted to the Supreme Court of Missouri no later than March 1, 2021. Lawyers included on the delinquency list will be automatically suspended from practice. See Rule 15.06(f) and Supreme Court of Missouri Order, dated March 23, 2020.

“The Missouri Bar is focused on helping lawyers be more efficient and do an even better job for their clients,” Bender said. “Filing your MCLE compliance report, registering for a CLE program, or taking advantage of member benefits through our website are all areas where we have worked to improve the user experience for our members.” 

Bender noted the Board of Governors has made technology updates a budget priority in recent years and that staff have completed significant upgrades across multiple projects to benefit members since 2018. These include: 

A database upgrade, website encryption and minimum complexity requirements for passwords to even better secure lawyer data (Completed 2018) 

A new online Member Portal to manage your profile and secure benefits that is intuitive and responsive, adapting to fit the screen size on which you are viewing it. (Completed 2018) 

An improved registration process for major conferences (Completed 2018) 

An improved online annual enrollment fee payment process which offers eCheck services for less than the cost of a stamp (Completed 2018)  

A new MoBarCLE website interface with enhanced features such as optional text notifications, quick search of programs and books by practice area, easy access to purchase history, the ability to register multiple attendees in the same transaction, and a convenient calendar view (Completed 2020) 

A redesign and streamlined sitemap for MoBar.org resulting in easier navigation and a better responsive format across all devices for visitors to the site (Completed 2020) 

Jason Cecil, chief technology officer of The Missouri Bar, said the new MCLE reporting application has been in development for the past year, noting a series of Supreme Court of Missouri rule changes in 2019 to MCLE reporting requirements extended the development window into 2020. 

“We appreciate members’ patience and understanding as we work diligently to bring you an intuitive and polished MCLE reporting platform which will make your annual reporting experience easier, more consistent and with more expedient responses,” Cecil said. “Team members from across departments have been testing the new platform to make the launch as seamless as possible.” 

“We continue to look for ways to improve, and we welcome your comments as to ways to do so,” Bender said. “Thank you for your patience as we implement these changes and we look forward to continuing to find ways to make our delivery of services even better.” 

Members will receive notice once the new reporting system is online. Keep up with technology-based features, as well as discounts, services and resources for Missouri lawyers, using #MOLawyersBenefit.