1.00 Ethics
Arkansas
General Arkansas Continuing Legal Education Credit Requirements
How many CLE credits do you need in Arkansas?
Active status attorneys in Arkansas must complete 12.00 CLE credits (including 1.00 ethics) every year to maintain good standing with the State Bar of Arkansas. Attorneys or judges who have reached age 70 or have completed 40 years of licensure in Arkansas are exempt from Arkansas CLE credit requirements. A credit hour is 60 minutes of instructional time and excludes meals, introductions, and non-educational activities.
When is the Arkansas CLE reporting deadline?
Arkansas attorneys must complete all 12.00 required credits by June 30 every year. All credits must be reported by July 31st. You can always sign in to your attorney profile to review your transcript on the Court’s CLE portal.
How long is the Arkansas CLE reporting period, and when does it end?
The reporting period is 1 year and runs from July 1 to June 30 for all active Arkansas attorneys.
How do I report my Arkansas CLE credits?
Arkansas attorneys are responsible for tracking and reporting their own CLE credits. Additional information and forms for self-reporting other types of credit can be found on the Arkansas Courts website.
How can Experienced Arkansas Attorneys fulfill the Arkansas CLE requirements in compliance with format of delivery regulations?
Experienced attorneys can fulfill their Arkansas CLE requirement by completing courses approved and accredited by the Arkansas CLE Board. Examples of accepted course formats include:
Live CLE
- CLE classes in Live Traditional classroom
- Satellite
- Live telephone
- Live computer interactive
OnDemand
- OnDemand courses
- Video Programs
How many Arkansas CLE credits can I carry over?
You may carry over 12.00 CLE credits for one reporting period. You may carry over 1.00 ethics credit. Excess ethics credits earned will first apply to the total 12.00 CLE credit requirement for that reporting period before being carried over.
How many Arkansas CLE credits can I earn with OnDemand courses?
You may earn all 12.00 CLE credits with OnDemand courses.
What are the specialty credit requirements in Arkansas?
Arkansas attorneys must complete 1.00 ethics credit every year.
Is in-program attendance verification required to receive Arkansas CLE credit?
Yes. In-program attendance verification is required for downloadable courses.
Are there other ways attorneys in Arkansas can earn CLE credit?
There are several other ways to earn CLE credit, including:
- Speaking at approved CLE Courses:
- Solo speakers: Speakers earn 4.00 hours of credit for every hour of initial presentation and 2.00 hours of credit for repeat presentation of the same material
- Panel discussions: Participants in panel discussions receive 3.00 hours of credit for every hour
- Authorship: Up to 12.00 credit hours may be earned through authorship of an ABA published law article, a law-related article published by an ABA accredited law school, or published books on legal matters
- Law school courses: 12.00 credit hours may be earned for each academic credit hour taught
- In-house programs: Up to 6.00 credit hours per reporting period may be earned through in-house CLE programming. Application and documentation must be submitted and approved 30 days prior to the event.
- Pro bono credit: Up to 3.00 credit hours may be earned in each reporting period. Arkansas attorneys earn I.00 hour of CLE credit for every 3 hours of pro bono service (rounded to the nearest quarter hour).
Additional CLE resources for Arkansas attorneys
- Arkansas CLE Board Contact Information:
- Address: Arkansas CLE Board, Arkansas Justice Building, 625 Marshall Street, Suite 110, Little Rock, AR 72201
- Phone Number: (501) 801-5678
- Email: kfrye@arkbar.com
Are you newly admitted to the Arkansas Bar? Here’s what you need to know:
What are the Arkansas CLE requirements for newly admitted attorneys?
Newly admitted attorneys in Arkansas are exempt from Arkansas CLE reporting requirements for the duration of the reporting period in which they are admitted. They must complete all 12.00 CLE credits, including 1.00 ethics credit, by June 30 of the reporting period after their admission.
How can Arkansas Newly Admitted Attorneys Fulfill Their CLE Requirements?
Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE reporting requirements for the reporting period in which they are admitted.
Can I carry over credits I completed during my first year of admission to the Arkansas State Bar?
Yes. If you earn credits during the reporting period in which you are admitted (when you are exempt from Arkansas CLE reporting requirements), you may carry up to 12.00 CLE credits (including 1.00 ethics credit) over to the next reporting period.
When does my first reporting period for Arkansas end?
You are exempt for the reporting period in which you are admitted to practice law in Arkansas. You must complete your 12.00 CLE credits by June 30 of the following reporting period.
For example, an attorney admitted to the Arkansas Bar in October 2022 (in the middle of the 2022-2023 reporting period) would not be required to report CLE credits until June 30, 2024.
Have more questions? Please Contact Us