California lawyers were required to pay their State Bar dues by March 1, but a board of governors committee voted last month that penalties for nonpayment would not attach until March 31. Penalties for noncompliance with MCLE requirements also will not take effect until the same date.

After vetoing the bar’s fee bill in October, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed a later bill in January, authorizing collection of the same fees — $410 for active lawyers and $125 for inactive members.

The dues payment deadline was moved from Feb. 1 to March 1. At the same time, the MCLE compliance deadline for members of Group 1 — those whose last names begin with A-G — remained Feb. 1.

However, due to confusion over the deadlines and the late mailing of bills, the board decided to offer a grace period — through March 30 — before assessing any penalties.

Active attorneys who have not paid their fees by March 30 will be penalized $100 and inactive lawyers who pay late will owe an additional $30. Those who miss the MCLE deadline will be penalized $75.

Failure to pay dues or comply with continuing education requirements can result in suspension from practice.

Dues can be paid online by logging on to calbar.ca.gov.  For more information about bar dues and MCLE compliance is available by calling the Member Services Center at 1-888-800-3400.