Ohio CLE Requirements

24.00 Total Credit Hours

every

2 Years

All credit hours can be completed through Ohio accredited courses.


Ohio CLE Reporting Deadlines

Deadline to complete CLEs: December 31

Reporting deadline: December 31

Reporting period: 2 Years

NBI reports your credit to the Ohio Commission on CLE.

Ohio


How many CLE credits do you need in Ohio, and what types of CLE credit do you need?

Active status attorneys in Ohio must complete 24.00 CLE credits every 2 years to maintain good standing with the Ohio State Bar.

In addition, Ohio attorneys must complete 2.50 CLE credits in professional conduct in each compliance period. These credits may include topics such as legal ethics, professionalism, substance abuse, and access to justice.

When is the Ohio CLE reporting deadline?

Ohio attorneys must complete all 24.00 required credits by December 31 in their reporting year.

How long is the Ohio CLE reporting period, and when does it end?

The compliance period is 2 years and ends on December 31.

There are 2 reporting groups:

  • If your last name ends in A-L, you must complete your CLE requirement by the end of each odd-numbered year.
  • If your last name ends in M-Z, you must complete your CLE requirement by the end of each even-numbered year.

You are permanently assigned to your reporting group based on your last name at the time you were admitted to the bar.

How do I report my Ohio CLE credits?

NBI reports your credit to the Ohio Commission on CLE.

You can view your transcript online on The Supreme Court of the State of Ohio Attorney Services Portal.

How can Experienced Ohio Attorneys fulfill the Ohio CLE requirements in compliance with format of delivery regulations?

Experienced attorneys can fulfill their Ohio CLE requirement by completing courses approved and accredited by the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education. Examples of accepted course formats include:

Live CLE

Self-Study

How many Ohio CLE credits can I carry over?

Ohio attorneys may carry over 12.00 CLE credits for one compliance year. Professional conduct credits carry over as general credits.

How many Ohio CLE credits can I earn with self-study courses?

Attorneys in Ohio can earn all 24.00 CLE credits with self-study programs.*

*Effective 1/1/2023, the Supreme Court of Ohio has permanently removed the CLE self-study cap for attorneys.

Is in-program attendance verification required to receive Ohio CLE credit?

Yes. In-program attendance verification is required.

Additional CLE resources for Ohio Attorneys

Are you newly admitted to the Ohio State Bar? Here’s what you need to know:

What are the Ohio CLE requirements for newly admitted attorneys?

Attorneys admitted by examination are exempt from regular CLE requirements for their first biennial compliance period; however, they must complete 12 hours of New Lawyers Training Instruction (NLT) during that time.

Are you newly admitted to the Ohio State Bar? Here’s what you need to know:

Newly Admitted attorneys can fulfill their Ohio CLE requirement by completing live courses approved and accredited by the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education. Examples of accepted course formats include:

Can I carry over credits in excess of the 12 credits completed for the New Lawyers Training Program?

Yes. If you complete more than the 12.00 credits required for the NLT, you may carry over up to 12.00 credits to the next compliance period.

When does my first reporting period for Ohio end?

You will be permanently assigned to a compliance group when you are admitted to the Ohio State Bar. Your first reporting period ends on December 31 of your reporting year.

  • If your last name ends in A-L, you must complete your CLE requirement by December 31 of each odd-numbered year.
  • If your last name ends in M-Z, you must complete your CLE requirement by December 31 of each even-numbered year.

If you are admitted during the first year of your biennial period, you must complete your CLE requirements by the end of your first biennial period. If you are admitted during the second year of your first biennial period, you must complete your CLE requirements by the end of your second full biennial period.

For example, if you are admitted in 2022 and your last name ends in A-L, you must complete your NLT by December 31, 2023. If you are admitted in 2022 and your last name ends in M-Z, you must complete your NLT by December 31, 2024.

Are there any special credit requirements for new attorneys in Ohio?

Yes. Newly admitted attorneys in Ohio must complete 12 hours of New Lawyers Training Instruction (NLT) accredited by the Commission on Continuing Legal Education. The instruction must be completed through live courses, which may include in-person, live webcasts, or live interactive webinars. You must complete the NLT by the end of your first 2-year compliance period.

  • 3 of the 12 hours must include 1 hour each on professionalism, law office management and client fund management.
  • The remaining 9 hours must include one or more substantive law topics that focus on handling legal matters in specific practice areas.

The NLT satisfies your CLE requirements for your first compliance period. 9 of the 12 hours required by the NLT may be obtained from the Supreme Court of Ohio's Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program.

The NLT only applies to Ohio attorneys admitted by examination, UBE transfer, and attorneys registered for corporate counsel status. New attorneys admitted on motion are subject to the regular CLE requirements, but the number of credits required may be prorated depending on your date of admission.

Who is considered a newly admitted attorney in Ohio?

An attorney within their first compliance period is considered a Newly Admitted Attorney in Ohio.