Compliance Requirements
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has issued a reminder to all lawyers that the current Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) compliance period ends on December 31, 2026. Under Bar Matter 850, all lawyers actively engaged in the practice of law must complete 36 credit units during each three-year compliance period.
The MCLE Committee has noted that approximately 30% of lawyers have not yet completed their required units for the current period, prompting the IBP to issue an early reminder.
Required Units Breakdown
The 36 required units must be distributed across the following categories:
- •Legal Ethics and Values: minimum 6 units
- •Trial and Pre-Trial Skills: minimum 5 units
- •Alternative Dispute Resolution: minimum 3 units
- •International Law and Trade Standards: minimum 3 units
- •Elective subjects: remaining units (19 maximum)
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Lawyers who fail to complete their MCLE requirements by the deadline face serious consequences:
- •Non-compliant lawyers will be removed from the Roll of Attorneys in good standing.
- •They cannot appear in court, sign pleadings, or notarize documents until compliance is achieved.
- •Reinstatement requires completion of all deficient units plus payment of a reinstatement fee.
Check your MCLE compliance status at mcle.judiciary.gov.ph. Units earned are typically posted within 2-4 weeks after attending an accredited program.
How to Earn Units
MCLE units can be earned through various accredited activities:
- •Attending MCLE-accredited seminars, conferences, and workshops (most common method)
- •Teaching law subjects in a recognized law school (up to 6 units per compliance period)
- •Authoring legal articles or books published in recognized law journals (up to 6 units)
- •Participating in IBP committee work and legal aid programs (up to 3 units)
- •Completing online MCLE programs accredited by the Supreme Court
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