Connecticut CLE Requirements

In Connecticut, active status attorneys must complete 12.00 CLE credits (with 2.00 credits in Ethics/Professionalism) every year to maintain good standing with the Connecticut Bar.

Credit Hour: 60 minutes (rounded down to the nearest 1/4 hour).

While Connecticut allows all 12 hours to be self-study, participatory MCLE such as live CLE, interactive webinars, or in-person seminars can improve engagement and are often encouraged by your bar association.

Yes. Connecticut does not require individual course approval. NBI’s high quality courses comply with Practice Book §2-27A and are considered automatically approved.

Connecticut attorneys must complete all 12.00 required credits by December 31. Attorneys verify their compliance with the CLE requirement when they complete their annual registration the following year (usually due by the first Friday in March).

The reporting period is 1 year and ends on December 31 for all attorneys.

You are required to self-report CLE compliance. Failure to comply or certify may result in administrative consequences. Contact the MCLE Commission or Connecticut Bar Association if you need assistance.

Connecticut attorneys are responsible for tracking their own CLE credits with the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch. You must keep your CLE records for 7 years. Each year with your annual registration, you will certify that you have completed the CLE credits required for the prior year.

You’ll certify during the online attorney registration process each year. Be prepared to enter your CLE totals and retain your documentation.

You must retain CLE records for 7 years in case of an audit or inquiry from the Connecticut Judicial Branch.

Experienced attorneys can fulfill their Connecticut CLE requirement by completing courses following accepted formats. Examples of accepted course formats include:

Live CLE

• Person Courses
• Webinars
• Webcasts
• Video Conference

Self Study

• OnDemand courses
• Video recordings
• Audio recordings
• Online Courses
• DVDs

Yes. MCLE courses covering attorney mental health or wellness - including stress management and substance abuse prevention - may qualify if they relate to maintaining competence in the practice of law and meet standards set by the commission on minimum continuing legal education.

Connecticut attorneys may carry over up to 2.00 CLE credits to the following reporting year, including ethics credits. This is the maximum allowed - no more than 2 credits may be carried over under any circumstances or special situations.

There is no limit. You may earn all 12.00 required CLE credits with self-study courses (including ethics/professionalism credits).

Yes. Connecticut permits CLE to be completed via live, OnDemand, webcast, audio, and other digital formats.

Yes. Credit may be earned for any topic tied to the practice of law, even if outside your primary practice area, provided the program meets CLE course standards on jud.ct.gov.

No. In-program attendance verification is not required.

Yes. Structured pro bono training or supervision sessions may count if conducted by a bar association, CLE provider, or other entity meeting the MCLE rule requirements.

Yes. Out-of-state MCLE courses may be used toward Connecticut’s requirement if they meet the same substantive and delivery criteria found on jud.ct.gov.

No. There is no formal accreditation process for CLE providers. The commission on minimum continuing legal education expects attorneys to ensure their courses meet the MCLE content and format standards.

The full MCLE rule is posted on jud.ct.gov under the “Minimum Continuing Legal Education” section, along with guidance, forms, and compliance FAQs.

• State Contact Information:
  • Address: Connecticut Bar Association 538 Preston Avenue, 3rd Floor, Meriden, CT 06450 
  • Phone Number: 860-223-4400
  • Email Address: msc@ctbar.org
  • Website: https://www.ctbar.org//

• Connecticut CLE FAQ and Newly Admitted Mentoring Program
  • CT MCLE FAQ
  • Newly Admitted Mentoring Program: The Connecticut Bar Association administers a statewide mentoring program designed for Newly Admitted Attorneys. For more information, email David McGrath, email: dmcgrath@lchfamilylaw.com, or check out the flier by clicking here!

Newly admitted attorneys in Connecticut are exempt for the year in which they are admitted to the Connecticut Bar.

Yes. If you complete CLE credits after admission to the bar and before December 31 of the year you were admitted, you may carry over 2.00 CLE credits to your first compliance year.

Your first CLE reporting period ends on December 31 of the first calendar year following your admission to the Connecticut Bar. For example, if you were admitted in October of 2024, your first CLE reporting period ends on December 31, 2025.

No. There are no special CLE requirements for newly admitted Connecticut attorneys.

Those who were admitted to practice in Connecticut in the current calendar year are considered a Newly Admitted Attorney.