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California attorneys must complete a minimum of 25 credit hours of approved continuing legal education activities every 3 years including at least 4 hours of Ethics, 1 hour of Civility, 1 hour of Technology, 2 hours of Competence and 2 hours of Elimination of Bias. Additionally, at least one of the hours in Elimination of Bias must be an approved Implicit Bias program.
At least 12.5 of the credit hours must be in a "Participatory" format. The remaining hours can be in a self-study format.
**The State Bar of California is implementing changes to the MCLE course requirements effective October 1, 2023. Beginning with the compliance period ending March 29, 2025, licensees will be required to also complete and report compliance on the following new subfields:
Technology in the Practice of Law (one credit)
Civility in the Legal Profession (one credit)
Competence (Increased from one credit to two)
California attorneys may earn all 25 hours with the United Institute for Continuing Legal Education. Our Online and iOS/Android App platforms are automatically deemed participatory and our MP3/MP4 downloaded courses may also be taken in participatory form as well.
California MCLE rules do not allow carryover. Credit for participating in a CLE activity may not be earned forward from one compliance period to another.
Members are required to comply online under “My State Bar Profile” www.calbar.ca.gov by attesting under penalty of perjury that the member has complied with the education requirement or is exempt and the nature of the exemption. Attorneys who are unable to comply online must contact the State Bar’s Member Services Center 888-800-3400.
State Bar of California
180 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-1639
(t) 415-538-2100
(f) 415-538-2180 mcle.calbar.ca.gov
In the Key of Justice: What Musicians Can Teach Trial Lawyers
United Institute for Continuing Legal Education is a CLE provider accredited by the California State Bar, Provider #15390.
To view our full accreditation details please .
General Credits
1
$29
All Courses Available iOS/Android Web
About This Course
This unique CLE course explores the connection between trial advocacy and musical performance, examining how skills like listening, timing, improvisation, authenticity, and collaboration shape persuasive communication. Drawing on lessons from jazz and the courtroom, the program offers practical techniques attorneys can use to strengthen witness examinations, opening and closing arguments, negotiations, and client relationships.
Participants will learn how to:
Improve communication through active listening
Use pacing, rhythm, and silence more effectively
Adapt to unexpected developments during trial and negotiation
Build credibility, presence, and trust with jurors and clients
Strengthen collaboration within trial teams
Structured around the concept of a jazz composition, this program provides litigators with a fresh and practical perspective on advocacy, persuasion, and human connection.
