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Illinois MCLE Deadline: What You Need To Know

Written by Ariel Peña | May 9, 2024 2:41:57 PM

As an attorney in Illinois, meeting your Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements is crucial for maintaining your law license and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in your practice area. With the June 30th deadline approaching, it's essential to understand the Illinois MCLE requirements and plan accordingly. In this blog post, we'll cover all the key details you need to know to ensure compliance and avoid any last-minute scrambles.

Illinois MCLE Requirements at a Glance:

Total Credits: 30 credit hours every two years: 

At least 6 in Professional Responsibility, including:

  • Diversity and Inclusion: At least 1 credit
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse: At least 1 credit

MCLE Deadline: June 30th

Group 1: A-M, the reporting period starts July 1 of even numbered years and ends June 30 of the following even-numbered year. (Ex: July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2024)

Group 2: N-Z, the reporting period starts on July 1 of odd numbered years and June 30 of the following odd-numbered year. (Ex: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2025)

Carry Over Credits: Maximum of 10 credits, including Professional Responsibility credits  

Reporting Deadline: July 15th (Lawline reports attendance weekly to the Illinois MCLE Board)

Learn more about Illinois MCLE Requirements here. 

Which Illinois Attorneys Are Due to Complete Credits in 2024? 

Experienced Illinois attorneys with last names from A-M are due to complete their MCLE credits by June 30, 2024. Experienced Illinois attorneys with last names from N-Z are due to complete their MCLE credits by June 30, 2025.

Newly Admitted Attorneys

Total Credits: 15 credit hours

Basic Skills Course: At least 6 of these credits must be fulfilled by attending a Basic Skills Course that has been approved by the MCLE Board to meet Illinois' Basic Skills requirement

CLE Deadline: 1 year after being admitted to the bar, by the last day of the month

Start Taking MCLE Courses Today

Don't leave your MCLE obligations to the last minute. Lawline offers over 1,500 Illinois accredited courses. You can easily browse by practice area, role, and more. Get Unlimited CLE Access, or start trying courses for free with a no-risk trial today.