Mandatory Continuing Legal Education—often shortened to “mandatory CLE” or simply MCLE—refers to the essential, ongoing education requirements that attorneys must complete to maintain active status and an active law license in their respective jurisdictions.

These rules exist to ensure that lawyers stay up to date on the practice of law, legal ethics, professional responsibility, attorney wellness, and emerging issues like cybersecurity. MCLE is now standard across most U.S. jurisdictions. While each jurisdiction sets its own CLE requirements, the overall goal is consistent: maintaining a competent, ethical, and well-informed legal profession.

Why Mandatory CLE Exists

MCLE/CLE serves several critical purposes for the legal profession. It ensures that attorneys continue improving long after law school, encourages familiarity with the latest developments affecting legal services, and reinforces core ethical obligations. Many state bar associations and courts believe ongoing education is fundamental for the integrity of the profession, which is why court rules mandate participation.

Topics commonly included in MCLE & CLE programs involve legal ethics, trust accounts, pro bono practice, elimination of bias, mental health, wellness, and other areas that affect the safe and competent practice of law. As the legal landscape evolves, so do CLE & MCLE requirements, adding new subject areas like cybersecurity and remote practice guidelines.

How CLE Requirements Work

Each state’s CLE requirements vary, but most involve completing a specified number of credit hours during a defined compliance period. Some states operate on a calendar year, while others allow a rolling or two-year reporting period. For example, New York uses a two-year cycle for most attorneys, with additional requirements for newly admitted lawyers.

Within that total, attorneys often need to complete certain types of CLE credit hours, such as:

• Legal Ethics credits (often combined with professional responsibility)

• Elimination of Bias or Diversity, Inclusion, and Fairness credits

• Mental Health and Wellness credits (a growing focus area)

• Cybersecurity or technology-focused credits (mandatory in key jurisdictions)

States may also require specific instruction on practice management or trust accounts to promote financial integrity within law firms.

Formats: In-Person, Online, Webinars, and OnDemand

Modern CLE programs are widely accessible. Attorneys can fulfill their hours through:

• In-person classes and conferences

• Live virtual seminars and Webinars

• OnDemand video programs

• Online courses (sometimes referred to as self-study)

Some states limit how many OnDemand or remote CLE credits can count toward MCLE compliance, while others allow attorneys to complete their entire requirement online. Many ABA-accredited and state-specific providers offer a range of CLE courses tailored to different practice areas and learning styles.

MCLE Credit, Accreditation, and Providers

Not every program qualifies for MCLE credit. Attorneys must verify that a course is offered by an approved CLE provider or meets specific accreditation standards. A qualifying CLE course must follow guidelines related to educational quality, length, instructor qualifications, and content relevance to the practice of law or the legal profession.

Approved MCLE providers include:

• State Bar Associations

• The American Bar Association (ABA)

• Law Schools and Universities

• Law firms

• Legal Education Companies (like NBI, Inc.)

• Subject-matter organizations offering specialized CLE programs

Many states maintain online directories to help attorneys locate accredited CLE courses that satisfy their jurisdiction’s credit requirements.

CLE Compliance, Reporting, and Self-Reporting

Compliance obligations vary by jurisdiction. Some states require attorneys to self-report their completed hours during each reporting period. Others require providers to report attendance directly to the state bar or the administrative office of the supreme court.

Failure to complete CLE requirements leads to noncompliance, which may result in serious consequences, including: fines, penalties, temporary loss of active status, or the need for formal reinstatement. Attorneys placed on inactive status cannot legally practice law until compliance is restored.

To avoid noncompliance, attorneys should diligently track hours and maintain certificates of completion for any CLE courses they attend, including webinars, online courses, OnDemand programs, and in-person seminars.

Exemptions and Frequently Asked Questions

Most states offer exemptions for certain attorneys, such as those in government positions, judges, retired lawyers, or individuals experiencing medical hardship. Some jurisdictions adjust requirements for newly admitted attorneys or those primarily engaging in pro bono or legal assistance work.

Common FAQs about mandatory CLE include:

• How many credit hours of CLE do I need each year?

• Do OnDemand courses count toward my total?

• Can wellness or mental health topics qualify for credit?

• How do I verify a program's accreditation?

• What happens if I miss my reporting deadline?

• Does my state require instruction on professional responsibility or trust accounts?

• Are credits transferable if I move to a new jurisdiction?

Each state bar association publishes official guidance to address these questions.

Why Wellness and Mental Health Matter in MCLE

A growing number of states now require or encourage CLE courses focused on attorney wellness, mental health, and well-being. Studies show high levels of stress, depression, and burnout within the profession, particularly among young lawyers and those in high-pressure practice environments.

Including wellness topics within mandatory continuing legal education helps reduce stigma, promotes healthier work environments, and ensures lawyers are mentally prepared to serve clients effectively.

Mandatory CLE Is Here to Stay

Whether you practice in New York or any other state, mandatory CLE remains a central component of maintaining your ability to practice the law. It reinforces legal ethics, encourages competence, supports professional responsibility, and ultimately protects the public. From trust accounts to cybersecurity to wellness to the elimination of bias, mandatory continuing legal education ensures that the legal profession evolves responsibly and ethically.

Attorneys who proactively understand their jurisdiction’s MCLE requirements—credit hours, accreditation, compliance deadlines, exemptions, and the reporting process—are far better positioned to avoid noncompliance and maintain a strong professional standing.