Continuing Legal Education (CLE) is essential for attorneys in the legal profession who want to maintain competence, professional responsibility, and ethical standards. CLE credit hours represent the time attorneys spend in accredited learning activities such as webinars, on-demand programs, in-person courses, or approved self-study. Each state bar association or supreme court sets mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE requirements) that determine how many hours attorneys must complete during a compliance or reporting period.

Meeting CLE requirements ensures attorneys remain compliant, avoid costly penalties, and continue providing high-quality legal services. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, experience level, and specialty credits — such as ethics, professional responsibility, wellness, or elimination of bias. Some states, including California and New York, allow unused hours to carry forward, while others set strict calendar year or biennial deadlines.

What Are CLE Credit Hours?

CLE credit hours are the standardized units attorneys earn for completing continuing legal education programs. They are assigned based on instructional time and serve as the official record for CLE compliance. State bars and courts approve what activities count — ranging from in-person seminars to online self-study offered by accredited CLE providers.

Why Are CLE Credit Hours Important?

Earning CLE credit hours is about more than just meeting a credit requirement. CLE ensures attorneys:

• Stay current with developments in the practice of law and rules of professional conduct.

• Maintain strong ethical and professional standards.

• Develop practical skills in law practice management, technology, and client service.

• Address emerging issues such as cybersecurity, mental health, substance abuse, wellness, and diversity and bias elimination.

By fulfilling CLE programs and requirements, attorneys — especially experienced attorneys — strengthen their professional judgment, improve office management, and protect their license to practice.

How Many CLE Credit Hours Are Required?

Each state sets its own CLE minimums and specialty requirements. Most attorneys need 12–25 hours per reporting period, often with a portion dedicated to ethics. Newly admitted attorneys may face stricter or accelerated programs to ensure they quickly understand ethical obligations.

For example, some states allow out-of-state attorneys practicing under reciprocity agreements to transfer hours, while others require attorneys to meet state-specific CLE accreditation rules.

(Note: Requirements vary and should always be confirmed with the state bar or the American Bar Association (ABA).)

What Activities Count Toward CLE Credit Hours?

Attorneys can earn CLE credit through a wide range of state-approved activities, including:

• In-person seminars and conferences

• Live webinars and webcasts

• OnDemand or self-paced courses

• Pro bono work (some states award one CLE credit hour for every five hours of volunteer service, up to a maximum limit)

• Law firm-sponsored training programs

Some states also grant credit for publishing legal articles, teaching at a law school, mentoring law students, or serving on professional committees — provided the activity is accredited by the bar association or another approved CLE provider.

How Are CLE Credit Hours Tracked?

Attorneys are responsible for tracking their CLE activity and maintaining documentation. Most states require:

• Certificates of attendance from each CLE course.

• Self-reporting to the state bar or use of an online compliance portal.

• Firm compliance systems for centralized tracking.

Some states allow carryover of excess hours, while others enforce strict compliance periods. Accurate recordkeeping is especially important for specialty credits like ethics, diversity, wellness, or mental health.

FAQs: CLE Credit Hours

What are CLE credit hours?

CLE credit hours are the official measurement of continuing legal education activities approved by state bars, bar associations, or supreme courts.

How many hours of CLE are required?

Most attorneys need between 12–25 hours per reporting period, including ethics or professional responsibility hours.

Can CLE credit hours be earned online?

Yes. Most states approve webinars, on-demand courses, and self-study, though some place limits on online hours.

Do ethics credits count toward total CLE hours?

Yes. Ethics credits are part of the total hours required for compliance.

Are there exemptions for certain attorneys?

Some states provide exemptions for part-time, inactive, or newly admitted attorneys. Rules vary.

What happens if I fail to meet CLE requirements?

Noncompliance can result in fines, late fees, suspension, or reinstatement procedures.

Conclusion

Understanding CLE credit hours is key for attorneys to maintain compliance, uphold legal ethics, and continue developing their skills. By planning CLE strategically — and keeping accurate records — attorneys ensure they stay compliant while benefiting from programs in professional responsibility, law practice management, cybersecurity, wellness, mental health, and elimination of bias.

Attorneys can look up their state-specific CLE requirements on NBI’s CLE Requirements page and fulfill their mandatory CLE by enrolling in NBI’s wide range of accredited courses.