The Missouri Bar announced on Apr. 24 that lawyers must complete their minimum continuing legal education (MCLE) hours by June 30 for the 2025-2026 compliance year, with annual reports due by July 31.
This requirement is important because it ensures attorneys remain informed and uphold professional standards in the state. According to Rule 15, all Missouri lawyers must finish a total of 15 CLE hours within each compliance year, including three ethics hours—one of which must address diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, or elimination of bias.
Lawyers can earn credits through programs offered by The Missouri Bar such as the Spring Committee Meetings and MOSOLO Small Firm Conference. Four sessions of CLE Express will also be available in late June where all required credits can be completed in one day. Additional credit may be earned from speaking engagements or publishing articles in legal journals like the Journal of The Missouri Bar.
After completing MCLE hours, attorneys are required to file their annual report online at MoBar.org/MCLEReporting by July 31. If more time is needed to fulfill requirements or submit reports, deficiency plans can be requested starting July 1 until July 31; these allow completion up to Sept. 30. Failing to comply results in a $200 late fee after Aug. 31 and an additional $50 for each following month without compliance. By March 1, noncompliant lawyers’ names will be submitted to the Supreme Court of Missouri and they face automatic suspension plus a $100 suspension fee.
The Missouri Bar provides further resources on its website—including tutorial videos and frequently asked questions—and offers support through its MCLE Department via email or phone contact.
The organization serves as the integrated professional association for all practicing attorneys in Missouri according to the official website. It enhances justice for residents by supporting fair legal practices according to the official website, contributes resources such as continuing education and publications according to the official website, and operates under a board elected from districts statewide according to the official website.
