Reciprocal Admission Credits

Idaho Bar Commission Rule 204A requires reciprocal admissions applicants to complete and certify no later than six months following the applicant’s admission to practice law under this rule that he or she has attended at least fifteen hours of continuing legal education on Idaho practice, procedure and ethics requirements, in courses administered by and/or approved by the Idaho State Bar.  All applicants admitted to practice under this rule shall complete the Idaho practice and procedure and ethics sections of the Practical Skills Seminar approved for that purpose by the Idaho State Bar.  Credits for self-study programs applicable to the mandatory continuing legal education requirements under this rule shall be limited to one half of the 15 hours required.

Requirements

  • Earn fifteen hours of RAC CLE credit within six months of being admitted.   Reciprocal admission applicants may start earning RAC credits once their application is received at the Idaho State Bar.
  • Attend the Idaho Practical Skills course, which is held twice each year in the Spring and Fall in Boise on the day following the admission ceremonies for the new lawyers who passed the bar examination.  The practical skills course is only held in Boise and is not available as a tape or online course.  All applicants must complete the Idaho practice and procedure and ethics sections of the Practical Skills Seminar.  However, applicants who have not been actively and continuously licensed to practice law in another state or the District of Columbia for five years at the date of admission must complete the entire practical skills course.
  • Complete additional RAC approved courses to meet the 15 hour requirement.   
  • No more than 7.5 credits can be self-study. 
  • Complete and submit the certificate of compliance listing all RAC credits by the end of the six month reporting period

Courses

Reciprocal admission credits can only be earned through courses on Idaho practice, procedure and ethics that have been approved by the Idaho State Bar.  Approved courses can be identified by the "RAC" (Reciprocal Admission Credit) designation.  Check our list of Upcoming CLE Courses and our Video/Audio Rental List for RAC courses.  We also have Online Courses.  Remember to look for the RAC designation when choosing a rental or online course.

If you are interested in attending a course on Idaho practice, procedure or ethics, but it has not approved for reciprocal admission credits, contact the MCLE Department at (208) 334-4500 to discuss the possibility of RAC approval.

Self Study Credits

You may earn up to one half (7.5 hours) of the 15 hours required by self-study.

Self study options available:

  • Renting of RAC approved video and/or audio taped programs.
  • Viewing RAC approved online programs.

Non-self study options available:

  • Renting of RAC approved video programs and viewing them with at least one other Idaho licensed attorney.  If arrangements cannot be made with another Idaho attorney, please contact Annette Strauser at (208) 334-4500.
  • Attend live programs approved for RAC credit by the Idaho State Bar.

Deadlines

Reciprocal admission attorneys must meet the requirements of IBCR 204A(d) within six months of admission to the Idaho State Bar.  The six months will begin the day the attorney is admitted to the Idaho State Bar.  Reciprocal admission applicants may start earning reciprocal admission credits as soon as they apply for admission.

Certification of Compliance

Following admission to the Idaho State Bar, reciprocal admission attorneys will receive a letter from the Membership Department and a certificate of compliance with IBCR 204A(d).  This certificate showing the reciprocal admission credits earned must be submitted to the Membership Department by the end of the attorney’s six month deadline.

Who to Contact

Please contact us at (208) 334-4500 if you have any questions:

Annette Strauser:  Questions about meeting the RAC requirements -- certificate of compliance, number of credits still needed, self study v. not self study, deadlines, etc.

Dayna Ferrero:  Information on and registering for upcoming Idaho Law Foundation or Idaho State Bar RAC approved courses.

Eric White:  Information on availability of and renting RAC approved video/audio tapes.