Updated: April 5, 2021

The MCLE Board has submitted to the Washington Supreme Court a suggested amendment to the APR 11 ethics requirement. Get more information.

The MCLE Welcomes Applicants for Open Positions

Share Your Skills. Volunteer with the MCLE Board. Apply Today

Licensed legal professionals in the state of Washington must continue their legal education throughout their careers in order to remain eligible to practice law. The Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Board plays a critical role in defining and determining compliance with the minimum education requirements. The MCLE Board is authorized by the Washington Supreme Court’s Admission and Practice Rule (APR) 11 to oversee the compliance of members and sponsors with the MCLE  requirements. 

The MCLE Board meets five times a year. In addition to attending what are usually half-day meetings, members should expect to spend several hours reviewing materials prior to the meetings and may spend additional time auditing CLE courses. Currently, meetings are held remotely via Zoom. Appointment to the Board is for a three-year term; two consecutive terms may be served. Final appointments are made by the Supreme Court.

The Application deadline is April 16. 

Learn more and view other WSBA Volunteer Opportunities! 

MCLE Compliance

The MCLE Board recognizes the significant effects and practice restrictions WSBA Licensed Legal Professionals are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are resources and options available to all licensed legal professionals, including those professionals in the 2018-2020 reporting period.

  • The state Supreme Court ordered a one-year extension of MCLE reporting for licensed legal professionals in 2018–2020 reporting period. Here are the details:
    • Licensed legal professionals in the extended reporting period must complete earning their credits by Dec. 31, 2021, and must complete the certification of their credits by Feb. 1, 2022.
    • This extension order encompasses all licensed legal professionals: lawyers, LLLTs and LPOs.
    • The credit requirement for this extended reporting period remains the same.
    • The next reporting period will be a shortened two year reporting period: 2022-2023.As a result, the order allows for the additional 15 carryover credits (30 total carryover credits, up to 4 of which may be ethics) to be earned in the extended reporting period. Read the order.
  • Remember, you do have to attend live or real-time seminars to earn MCLE credits. You may earn all your CLE credits by viewing or listening to recorded events such as webinars, MP3s, or DVDs.
  • You can earn free and low cost CLEs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • If you can’t afford to attend webinars or purchase CLE products, ask the MCLE team for a list of accredited sponsors who offer free and low-cost CLEs. You can contact the MCLE team at mcle@wsba.org.
  • You can earn free CLE credits by providing pro bono services through a qualified legal services provider (APR 11(e)(7)), or by participating in a structured mentoring program (APR 11(e)(8)).

MCLE Resources

  • MCLE for Lawyers

    MCLE information and requirements for lawyers in Washington.

  • CLE Sponsors

    Information for sponsors of continuing legal education activities for Washington licensed legal professionals.

  • MCLE for Limited Practice Officers

    Information and MCLE requirements for limited practice officers (LPO) in Washington.

  • MCLE for Limited License Legal Technicians

    Information and MCLE requirements for limited license legal technicians (LLLT) in Washington.

  • Earning Credit

    Learn all the ways you can earn MCLE credit in Washington.

  • MCLE for Mentorship & Pro Bono

    Licensed legal professionals can earn MCLE credit when they engage in approved mentorship activities as mentors and mentees or provide pro bono legal service through a qualified legal service provider.

COVID-19 Updates and Resources

In light of Gov. Inslee’s " Stay Home-Stay Healthy" order issued March 23, WSBA staff will be working remotely. In order to facilitate timely processing of questions and documents, we ask that you please submit all queries and documentation via email to mcle@wsba.org. There will be some delay in processing all paper documentation. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Note : Any discrepancy or conflict between the information provided here and the rules and regulations set by the Washington Supreme Court, or the Bylaws and policies of the Washington State Bar Association, is unintentional and will be resolved in favor of strict compliance with the rules, regulations, Bylaws and policies.