| Attorneys whose last names begin with the letters N-Z (compliance group
3) are expected to comply with their minimum continuing legal education (MCLE) requirement
by Jan. 31. Although the program is in limbo, it is technically in effect.
MCLE's future is uncertain because of litigation pending before the Supreme Court.
However, the State Bar Board of Governors decided last year to ask attorneys to attest to
completion of 36 hours of education over three years. At the same time, they agreed not to
assess the usual $75 late charge if lawyers do not comply.
A California appellate court ruled in March 1997 that the bar's MCLE program is
unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection rights of attorneys who are not
exempted from it. The bar has appealed, but the Supreme Court has not scheduled oral
argument.
Attorneys in group 3 should complete and return the compliance form on Page 15 of the
January 1999 California Bar Journal. |
