Membership/MCLE Military
Waivers and Exemptions FAQs

Membership Dues Waiver

Do I qualify for a waiver of my annual dues?
Attorneys serving in the U. S. Armed Forces performing services in a Combat Zone (as designated by an Executive Order of the President of the United States) and who will not practice law in Texas during this time period are eligible to be considered for a waiver of annual bar dues for each fiscal year designated in the order.

The Supreme Court of Texas has inherent authority to regulate the practice of law, and the authority to set member dues. All requests for waivers submitted to the State Bar Membership Department will be forwarded to the Supreme Court. If a waiver is granted by the Supreme Court, it will be for any "dues year" in which that member is serving in a combat zone. The member should notify the Bar upon the member's release from duty in a combat zone, and the dues obligations will be reactivated commencing the "next bar year".

How do I request a waiver of annual dues?
Click here to print the Active Military Dues Waiver form to be exempt from annual dues. Complete the form and send to the Membership Department along with your military assignment orders. You may email, fax or mail your request.

Email requests can be sent to:
combatzone@texasbar.com

Our mailing address is:
State Bar of Texas
Membership Dept.
P. O. Box 12487
Austin, TX, 78711

Or fax to:
(512) 427-4124

What if my deployment orders are extended?
If your deployment orders change and you are able to notify us, please let us know. Otherwise, we will not change your military waiver status until you notify us upon your release from duty in a Combat Zone.

Do I qualify for a waiver if I am deployed later in the year, after I have paid dues?
If you have already paid your dues for the current fiscal year, your dues will not be refunded. However, your annual dues will be waived for any subsequent fiscal year(s) as designated in your deployment orders.

How do I contact the Membership Department for more information regarding annual dues waivers?
You can contact the Membership via email, phone, fax or mail.

Email requests can be sent to:

combatzone@texasbar.com

Our phone is:
(800) 204-2222, ext. 1383

Our fax number is:
(512) 427-4124.

Our mailing address is:
State Bar of Texas
Membership Dept.
P. O. Box 12487
Austin, TX 78711

Express mail should be sent to:
State Bar of Texas
Membership Dept.
1414 Colorado, Fifth Floor
Austin, TX 78701


MCLE Exemptions

Do I qualify for an exemption from MCLE requirements?
Attorneys who are also active-duty armed services personnel are eligible for an exemption from the full 15-hour MCLE requirement. Active Texas attorneys who qualify for and claim the military exemption retain their eligibility to practice law in Texas.

How do I request an MCLE exemption?
To request a military exemption from your MCLE Requirements, please log into your My Bar Page and click “View/Report MCLE Hours”.  Then click “Edit” next to your MCLE Status. Choose the Military Exemption under “I qualify for an exemption…” and then click Submit.

How do I renew my MCLE military exemption?
The military exemption will remain on your record until you request removal. Military attorneys need to request removal of the exemption when they leave active-duty or retire from the military. To remove the exemption, please send a written request to the MCLE Department at mcle@texasbar.com.

For additional information regarding MCLE Exemptions, please contact MCLE at (512) 427-1806 or by email at mcle@texasbar.com. Please include your name and bar number in your email.

MCLE regular mail :
State Bar of Texas
MCLE Department
P.O. BOX 13007
Austin, TX 78711-3007

MCLE express mail:
State Bar of Texas
MCLE Department
1414 Colorado Street, Fifth Floor
Austin, TX 78701