What happens if by November 30 my transcript fails to reflect that I complied by October 31, I did not report a valid out-of-state exemption, or I did not pay my late fee for the two-year reporting period that ended earlier that year?
Supreme Court Rule(s) cited in this FAQ:
Rule 796.
November 30 is the deadline for an attorney in a two-year reporting period to have:
- An online transcript that reflects achieved compliance with their requirements no later than October 31, along with paying the correct late fee; or
- A valid exemption on file with the Board, along with paying the correct late fee. A valid out-of-state exemption needs to be reported in each two-year reporting period.
On December 1, all attorneys who lack an online transcript reflecting compliance with that reporting period's requirements no later than October 31 or a valid exemption on file, or who have an outstanding late fee, are removed from the master roll of attorneys for MCLE non-compliance.
Attorneys who achieve compliance after October 31 or who report a valid out-of-state exemption after the November 30 grace period credit completion deadline will be removed from the master roll of attorneys on December 1. These attorneys will pay the reinstatement fee of $500.00 when they achieve compliance or report a valid out-of-state exemption.
Removal means the attorney may not practice law using their Illinois law license until reinstated, but it is not a disciplinary sanction. Rule 796(e).
Under the Rules, not receiving a notice is not an excuse for failure to report. The Board is also not required to mail a notice with that date to attorneys who have been removed from the Master Roll for two or more consecutive MCLE reporting periods. Rule 796(e).
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