Yes — Oregon’s MCLE rules provide for exemptions or alternative status for certain attorney categories, such as retired members, active emeritus or pro bono status, and out-of-state practitioners under reciprocity.
To qualify, the attorney must meet the status requirements and file the appropriate certification or compliance report under OSB’s MCLE Rules of Licensure.
Details / Exceptions
- Retired Members: Oregon attorneys who formally retire and file a compliance report certifying retirement are exempt from MCLE, provided they do not resume practicing law.
- Active Emeritus / Active Pro Bono: Members in “Active Emeritus” or “Active Pro Bono” status under the OSB bylaws are exempt from MCLE compliance.
- Out-of-State Members: An active member whose principal office is outside Oregon and who is in a reciprocity jurisdiction may comply by showing compliance elsewhere rather than Oregon’s rules.
- Practical Skills Exemption for New Admittees: A new admittee who practiced law in another jurisdiction for three consecutive years immediately before admission may be exempted from the practical skills portion of Oregon’s CLE requirement.
- Waiver / Partial Exemption: The MCLE Administrator may waive, exempt, or permit substitute compliance for hardship or special circumstances.
Key Takeaway
Oregon doesn’t grant blanket exemptions for all lawyers, but it does exempt certain categories — retired, emeritus, pro bono, reciprocity members, and some new admittees — provided they file required certifications and do not engage in law practice contradictory to the exemption.
