Who is considered a young lawyer of The Florida Bar?
What is the Basic Skills Course Requirement (BSCR)?
What courses count toward completion of the BSCR?
Can the BSCR be completed by taking courses online or by downloadable audio?
Can members complete the BSCR by watching a DVD or listening to a CD?
Where can I find the online / downloadable courses for PWP and the Basic Courses?
Are ALL newly admitted members to The Florida Bar considered members of the Young Lawyers Division?
Are newly admitted members 36 years old or older who have been practicing in another state for more than five years required to complete the BSCR?
Basic Skills Course Requirement FAQ
Q. Who is considered a young lawyer of The Florida Bar?
A. All Florida Bar members in good standing under the age of 36 and all members in good standing who have not been admitted to the practice of law in any jurisdiction for more than five years is a member of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) (Rule 1.9.1 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar).
Q. What is the Basic Skills Course Requirement (BSCR)?
A. The BSCR Rule 6-12.3 was established to help ensure that all attorneys begin their legal careers with a thorough and practical understanding of the law. All members of the YLD must complete the BSCR unless otherwise exempt or qualify for deferment status.
Q. What courses count toward completion of the BSCR?
A. There two phases to the BSCR (Rule 6-12.3). They are:
- Phase I: Completion of Practicing with Professionalism (PWP) within the first year of admission to The Florida Bar.
- Phase II: Completion of 21 credit hours of basic level courses within the first three years of admission to The Florida Bar. Basic level courses that comply with the BSCR requirement will begin with the term “Basic” in its title (i.e. Basic Criminal Law, Basic Trial Practice, Basic Real Property, etc.), and sponsored by the YLD of The Florida Bar.
Please note: The YLD recommends members begin early in completing the BSCR, particularly Phase II. By completing the required programs incrementally over the course of the three-year reporting period, members can avoid any possible financial hardship that may occur by waiting until the end of the reporting cycle to complete all the required courses.
Q. Can the BSCR be completed by taking courses online or by downloadable audio?
A. Yes! All BSCR courses are offered exclusive online or by downloadable audio. There are no live programs current planned. All courses should be completed online through the InReach platform.
Please note: Online courses are not posted automatically. Members must post their CLE credits to their member profile, using the course reference number, or report credit directly to the LSE Department by emailing your Certificate of Completion to Bar staff.
Q. Can members complete the BSCR by watching a DVD or listening to a CD?
A. NO. Because Rule 6-12 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar requires the Board of Legal Specialization and Education (BLSE) to monitor compliance of the basic skills course requirement, only completion of the online/downloadable audio versions of these courses count toward completion of the BSCR.
Q. Where can I find the online/downloadable courses for PWP and the Basic Courses?
A. These courses can be found on the 24/7 On Demand Catalog of Courses. Practicing with Professionalism can be found under the subject area titled “PWP.” Basic level courses are under the subject area titled “YLD Basic Skills Course Requirement.” Phase II of the BSCR may be satisfied by completing 21 credit hours in any combination as long as the member completes 21 hours of basic level courses.
Q. Are ALL newly admitted members to The Florida Bar considered members of the YLD?
A. No, not all newly admitted members to The Florida Bar are considered members of the YLD. Newly admitted members 36 years and over and who have been admitted to the practice of law for more than five years in another state are not considered members of the YLD.
Q. Are newly admitted members 36 years old or older who have been practicing in another state for more than five years required to complete the BSCR?
A. ALL newly admitted members to The Florida Bar, regardless of age and/or years of practice in other states, must complete Practicing with Professionalism within their first year of admission. However, lawyers 36 and older, who have been practicing for more than five years in another state are not required to complete Phase II of the BSCR. These members are, however, required to submit a BSCR Exemption Form attesting to their five years of practice in another state (the state and admit date documentation is submitted with this form).