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Exemptions and Extensions

Top FAQs

If I qualify for an exemption, do I have to report?

What if I haven't earned all my credits by my compliance deadline, is there a grace period?

If I'm exempt in another state, am I exempt in Illinois?

The MCLE Rules provide certain exemptions from the MCLE requirements. Attorneys eligible for an exemption must claim the exemption on the Certification Form mailed by the MCLE Board at the end of an attorney's two-year reporting period or through the Board's online reporting system. If an attorney claiming an exemption is audited, the attorney must submit proof establishing that exemption.

In rare cases and upon showing of good cause, the MCLE Board has the authority to grant a temporary exemption or extension from the MCLE requirements.

Inactive or Retired registration with the ARDC

Attorneys registered as inactive or retired with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission ("ARDC"). More >

Out-of-State Attorneys

An active licensed Illinois attorney whose law practice is in another state with continuing legal education requirements may be eligible for an exemption if all the following are met:

  • the attorney is the member of a bar of another state;
  • that state has a comparable minimum continuing legal education requirement;
  • the attorney is regularly engaged in the practice of law in that state, meaning that the attorney has his or her primary or only office in that state; and
  • the attorney has appropriate proof that he or she is in full compliance with the continuing legal education requirements established by court rule or legislation in that state (an exemption from the other state's MCLE requirements does not qualify an attorney for this exemption).

More >

Disability Inactive registration with the ARDC

Attorneys registered as disability inactive with the ARDC. More >

Federal or State Judge, Associate Judge or Magistrate

Attorneys who are administrative law judges do not qualify for this exemption. More >

Illinois state or federal judiciary employees prohibited from practicing law by the Supreme Court of Illinois or the Federal Judiciary

Attorneys who, by virtue of their office or employment in the state or federal judiciary, are prohibited by the Supreme Court of Illinois or the federal judiciary from actively engaging in the practice of law. More >

U.S. Armed Forces Active Duty Personnel

Attorneys assigned to active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. More >

Partial Exemptions

Attorneys who are exempt for part of their two-year reporting may be eligible to claim a partial exemption. More >

Temporary Exemption or Extension

In rare cases and upon a clear showing of good cause (illness, financial hardship or other extraordinary circumstances beyond one's control), the Board has the authority to grant a temporary exemption from the MCLE requirements or an extension in which to comply with those requirements. Requests for additional time are not granted unless the standards of Rule 791(a)(7) are met. More >

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Think Green
The office of the MCLE Board is paperless. We are committed to accepting and processing applications and related communications electronically. Instructions are on the relevant application. Paper submissions will be destroyed after 30 days and returned only at the applicant's request and cost. If you encounter difficulties with an electronic submission, please contact the office before making the submission.