Meeting the Illinois MCLE Grace Period Deadline for 2021-2023 Attorneys

Illinois MCLE, Online CLE, State CLE Requirements

All You Need to Know About the Illinois MCLE 2023 Grace Period

Due to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Supreme Court introduced a grace period for the 2021-2023 MCLE reporting period. Below we have outlined how attorneys can ensure compliance and pay late fees by the November 30, 2023 grace period credit reporting deadline.

Understanding the Illinois MCLE Grace Period

The grace period for the 2021-2023 reporting period offers attorneys in Illinois some flexibility in meeting their MCLE requirements. It extends the compliance deadline and provides an opportunity to avoid late fees and removal from the Master Roll of Attorneys. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Extended Deadlines: The final grace period credit completion deadline is 11:59 p.m. CST on October 31, 2023. Subsequently, the grace period credit reporting deadline is November 30, 2023.
  2. Late Fees: If you timely requested a grace period extension because you hadn’t complied with your MCLE requirements by the June 30, 2023 credit completion deadline and paid a $100.00 late fee, no additional fee is due if your transcript reflects compliance with the October 31, 2023 grace period credit completion deadline.
  3. Higher Late Fee: If you didn’t request and pay for a grace period extension by the July 31, 2023 credit reporting deadline or if your transcript didn’t reflect compliance by the June 30, 2023 deadline, you owe a higher late fee of $250.00.
  4. Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to reflect compliance with the October 31, 2023 grace period credit completion deadline, report an exemption by November 30, 2023, or pay the late fee by the same date may result in referral to the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) for removal from the Master Roll of Attorneys, effective December 1, 2023.

Steps to Achieve Illinois MCLE Compliance and Pay Late Fees

To ensure compliance and pay your late fee by the November 30, 2023 deadline, follow these steps:

  1. Access Your Transcript: Visit the Illinois MCLE Board’s attorney page and log in with your ARDC number and password. If you’ve forgotten your ARDC number or need to reset your password, there are options available to assist you.
  2. Check Compliance Status: Once logged in, you’ll see your name, ARDC number, compliance status, and details about your upcoming deadlines. Click on the “My MCLE” button to access further information.
  3. Review Credits and Deadlines: In the “My MCLE” section, you’ll find details about the credits you’ve earned and your deadlines for the 2021-2023 reporting period.
  4. Add Credits: To add credits from out-of-state courses accredited by another state or non-traditional activities, click “+Add Credits.” Be prepared with attendance certificates and records of credits earned for non-traditional activities.
  5. Carryover Credits: If you earned carryover credits in the 2019-2021 reporting period, enter them online to apply to the 2021-2023 period. Be mindful of the maximum allowed carryover credits, especially in professional responsibility categories.
  6. Payment: Once your transcript reflects compliance, the system will prompt you for payment of the late fee. You can select to pay by credit card or by check.
    • For credit card payments, follow the on-screen instructions, and your payment will be processed almost instantly.
    • If you choose to pay by check, print the PDF invoice generated, include it with your check payment, and allow sufficient time for processing via U.S. Mail.

Attorneys in Illinois have the opportunity to meet their MCLE requirements during the grace period for the 2021-2023 reporting period. Ensuring compliance and paying late fees by the November 30, 2023 deadline is crucial to avoid penalties and removal from the Master Roll of Attorneys. Follow the steps outlined above to achieve compliance, pay your fees, and maintain your status as a practicing attorney in the state of Illinois.

For more information, visit the Illinois MCLE website. And get all the Illinois MCLE credits you need at Attorney Credits. Choose from individual courses, pre-assembled bundles, custom bundles and unlimited bundles to help you meet your compliance easily. Attorney Credits is a MCLE Board of the Supreme Court of Illinois Approved Provider.