Alaska CLE Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2025, active members of the Alaska Bar must complete 12 CLE credit hours annually. This update was mandated by SCO No. 2016 to enhance the continuing legal education of attorneys in the state.

Under the new regulations, attorneys must complete 3 out of the 12 annual ethics CLE credits. This ensures that attorneys remain well-informed about professional responsibilities and ethical standards.

Yes, starting in 2025, attorneys can fulfill all 12 required CLE credits through online, on-demand courses, which provides flexibility and convenience for completing these requirements.

Attorneys in Alaska must report their completed CLE credits by February 1st, following the end of the reporting period. This gives attorneys a window after the December 31st deadline to organize and submit their credits.

SCO No. 2016 expanded the range of activities that qualify for CLE credit. For details on what specific activities have been added, attorneys should refer to the latest guidelines available on the Alaska Bar Association’s website.

The Alaska Bar requires additional credit types beyond general and ethics credits. Attorneys must complete three ethics credits every reporting period, which includes one credit specifically focused on substance abuse or mental health.

Alaska operates as a self-reporting jurisdiction. Attorneys should report their credits through the member portal on the Alaska Bar Association website, where they can verify the completion of the mandatory ethics credits and the additional voluntary hours.

Yes, Alaska attorneys may carry up to 12 CLE credits to the next reporting period. This includes any excess credits from the required 12, which can help manage the annual CLE burden more efficiently.

Alaskan new admittees must report their CLE compliance for the calendar year following their year of admission, aligning with the general reporting requirements but adjusting to their date of admission to the bar.

Law firms can ensure CLE compliance by monitoring their attorneys' CLE statuses, providing in-house training sessions that qualify for CLE credits, and encouraging or sponsoring attendance at external CLE programs.

CLE credits can be earned through various formats, including traditional in-person classes, live webinars, on-demand online courses, interactive workshops, and even scholarly articles or books that contribute to legal education.

They can consult their state bar association's website, CLE accreditation bodies, or private CLE providers that offer courses tailored to specific legal disciplines such as tax law, environmental law, or intellectual property.

Yes, many CLE providers offer courses specifically designed to address recent changes in the law, including new legislation, landmark court decisions, and evolving legal theories to keep practitioners current.