CEB (Continuing Education of the Bar): California's Premier Legal Resource

CEB (Continuing Education of the Bar • California) stands as a cornerstone of legal education and resource provision in California. As a self-supporting program of the University of California, CEB has a rich history of serving the legal community for over 75 years. It provides expert-written secondary sources, research tools and legal analysis tailored to the real practice of law. From its inception, CEB has been committed to innovation and providing practical guidance that legal professionals can rely on.

Governance and Oversight

Oversight of CEB is provided by the CEB Governing Committee. The Committee consists of nine voting members: four members appointed by the State Bar of California and five members appointed by the University of California. The University appoints the chair, and the State Bar's Board of Governors appoints the vice chair. The vice chair must be a lawyer in active practice in California.

A Legacy of Service and Innovation

CEB was founded in 1947 as a nonprofit program of the University of California to educate veterans returning to the practice of law after service in World War II. It was soon apparent that attorneys were as interested in written material as they were in presentations, an interest that translated into the development of the CEB practice book. From their initial appearance as handouts, practice books evolved into comprehensive, regularly updated, publications.

CEB’s commitment to innovation produced early forays into tape recordings, video productions, telephone programs, and software.

Comprehensive CLE Offerings

CEB's CLE courses are typically presented by practicing attorneys and judges with expertise in the course's subject matter. These courses cover substantive practice areas including business law, criminal law, employment law, estate planning, real property law, family law, and litigation. All CEB courses are also available through CEB's "On Demand" service. In June 2012, CEB began offering podcasts on recent developments, beginning with two podcasts on the decision in Brinker Restaurant Corp.

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Specialized Programs

Each year CEB and the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law present a 12-hour Estate Planning Institute in Los Angeles. The program focuses on advanced estate planning and estate tax issues. In 2013, CEB created the Estate Planning Intensive Course (EPIC) and in 2015 CEB created the Family Law Intensive Course (FLIC). Both courses prepare attorneys for the Certified Specialist exams in their respective fields.

Action Guides

Action Guides are short, softbound books that describe step-by-step how to handle a specific task for a client.

AccessLaw Program

CEB’s AccessLaw program is the cornerstone of our public service mission to uphold the rule of law by offering high-quality legal information, tools and resources to the California legal community.

Supporting the Next Generation of Lawyers

From the pressures of law school, to sitting for the most difficult bar exam in the country, to navigating a highly competitive job market, California law students don’t have it easy. CEB (Continuing Education of the Bar) is California’s trusted legal resource, providing expert-written secondary sources, research tools and legal analysis tailored to the real practice of law.

We want every California law student to graduate research-ready, practice-prepared and confident.

Career Resources for Attorneys

CEB provides resources for attorneys in all stages of their careers. These resources include tips for:

Job Hunting in the Legal Industry: Where to Start
Do’s and Don’ts of Law School Interviews
Why Mentorship Matters and How to Find a Good Mentor
How to Market Yourself as a New Lawyer
Financial Planning for New Lawyers
Transitioning From Law School to the Courtroom

Staying Current: Webinars and On-Demand Content

New webinars are frequently offered. If you cannot attend a webinar live, or simply want a refresher on something covered in the past, you can stream this content on-demand! Please note, some content and special offerings can only be honored in the live session.

MCLE Requirements in California

In California, maintaining an active law license requires attorneys to complete a certain number of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) hours, ensuring they remain knowledgeable and competent in their field. The California State Bar’s Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirement is crucial not only for fulfilling professional obligations but also for upholding the integrity of the legal profession.

Meeting MCLE Requirements

California attorneys must meet specific MCLE requirements set forth by the State Bar of California. Attorneys must also ensure that at least 12.5 hours of their total CLE hours are participatory (i.e., live or interactive courses).

Compliance Groups

In California, attorneys are assigned to one of three MCLE compliance groups based on the first letter of an attorney’s last name as listed on their official State Bar records. Each group has a distinct compliance period, and attorneys are required to report their completed MCLE hours by a specified deadline.

Tracking and Reporting MCLE Credits

Tracking MCLE credits is a crucial part of the process.

Use the State Bar’s MCLE Form: Attorneys can use the State Bar’s MCLE Form to track earned hours and verify compliance.
Keep Records of Completed Courses: While attorneys don’t have to submit certificates of completion for every course they take, they must keep a record of their participation for at least one year after their compliance period ends.
Report During License Renewal: Attorneys must report their MCLE compliance during the license renewal process.

Audit Process

The State Bar may audit randomly selected attorneys to verify their MCLE compliance. If an attorney is selected for an audit, they will need to submit proof of course completion for all credits claimed.

Tips for Efficient MCLE Compliance

Meeting the MCLE requirements doesn’t have to be burdensome. With a little planning and organization, attorneys can satisfy their obligations with minimal stress.

Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start completing your hours. Aim to fulfill most of your MCLE requirements throughout the three-year cycle.
Take Advantage of Self-Study: Self-study programs offer flexibility and allow you to complete hours at your convenience.
Diversify Your Learning: In addition to fulfilling the required ethics, elimination of bias, and competence hours, aim to explore topics relevant to your practice area.
Focus on Interactive Programs: Remember that 12.5 of the 25 hours must be from participatory or interactive learning programs.

CEB's Online Services and Practitioner Tool

CEB provides a range of online services designed to enhance legal practice, including Practitioner, CEB’s all-in-one legal research solution with authoritative practice guides. Practitioner is meticulously crafted by California lawyers for California lawyers, providing comprehensive insights and resources tailored to your specific needs. Practitioner’s extensive library of practice guides and treatises supplement CEB’s expansive MCLE offerings in serving as a valuable resource for legal training and education. Our tools offer unparalleled support in case law research, legal analysis, and staying updated with the latest judicial decisions.

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