California

California

CLE Requirements

Everything you need to know to stay in compliance

Everything you need to know to stay in compliance with California Bar Association CLE requirements. Attorneys in California must complete 25 hours per reporting period to meet the California CLE requirements.

Total Credit Hours

25 hours per reporting period

CLE Reporting Deadlines

Deadline to complete CLEs:
January 31
Reporting Deadline:
February 1
Reporting Period:
3 years

Required CLE Credits

Credit Options:
  • Ethics
    4 hours per reporting period
  • Competency Issues
    1 hour per reporting period
  • Elimination of Bias (Implicit Bias)
    2 hours per reporting period

Self-Report

Yes

Address

180 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94105

Phone

415-538-2000

Faq

What is the total CLE requirement for attorneys in California?

To meet the California CLE requirements, attorneys must complete 25 credit hours per reporting period.

How are CLE credits distributed across different categories in California?

California requires 4 hours of ethics, 1 hour of competency issues, and 2 hours of elimination of bias (including at least 1 hour of implicit bias) per reporting period.

When is the deadline for completing CLE requirements in California?

The deadline is January 31 at the end of each three-year reporting period.

How are attorneys grouped for CLE compliance in California?

California attorneys are divided into three compliance groups based on their last name: Group 1 (A-G), Group 2 (H-M), and Group 3 (N-Z), each with a three-year compliance cycle.

Can CLE credits be completed online in California?

Yes, California allows all 25 CLE credit hours to be completed through approved online participatory programs, including live webcasts and interactive, previously recorded courses.

What is the CLE requirement for newly admitted attorneys in California?

Newly admitted attorneys in California must complete a 10-hour New Attorney Training program, which counts towards their general CLE requirement.

What should attorneys do if they need more time to complete their CLE requirement?

Attorneys who cannot meet the CLE deadline may apply for an extension or compliance plan, which must be filed before the deadline at the California State Bar.

Besides general and ethics credits, are additional credit types required for the California CLE requirements?

Yes, the California Bar requires additional credit types beyond general and ethics credits. California attorneys must complete at least four hours of ethics credits every three years and one hour focused on competence issues, including topics like mental health and substance abuse. Additionally, they must complete two hours on eliminating bias.

How can I use CLE programs to stay updated on changes in law and technology?

Seek out CLE courses focusing on recent legal reforms, technology impact on law practice, and future trends. These courses can provide critical insights and keep you ahead in your field.

How can attorneys find specialized CLE courses relevant to their practice areas?

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.

Are there CLE courses available that focus on recent legal developments?

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.

Faq

What is the total CLE requirement for attorneys in California?

To meet the California CLE requirements, attorneys must complete 25 credit hours per reporting period.

How are CLE credits distributed across different categories in California?

California requires 4 hours of ethics, 1 hour of competency issues, and 2 hours of elimination of bias (including at least 1 hour of implicit bias) per reporting period.

When is the deadline for completing CLE requirements in California?

The deadline is January 31 at the end of each three-year reporting period.

How are attorneys grouped for CLE compliance in California?

California attorneys are divided into three compliance groups based on their last name: Group 1 (A-G), Group 2 (H-M), and Group 3 (N-Z), each with a three-year compliance cycle.

Can CLE credits be completed online in California?

Yes, California allows all 25 CLE credit hours to be completed through approved online participatory programs, including live webcasts and interactive, previously recorded courses.

What is the CLE requirement for newly admitted attorneys in California?

Newly admitted attorneys in California must complete a 10-hour New Attorney Training program, which counts towards their general CLE requirement.

What should attorneys do if they need more time to complete their CLE requirement?

Attorneys who cannot meet the CLE deadline may apply for an extension or compliance plan, which must be filed before the deadline at the California State Bar.

Besides general and ethics credits, are additional credit types required for the California CLE requirements?

Yes, the California Bar requires additional credit types beyond general and ethics credits. California attorneys must complete at least four hours of ethics credits every three years and one hour focused on competence issues, including topics like mental health and substance abuse. Additionally, they must complete two hours on eliminating bias.

How can I use CLE programs to stay updated on changes in law and technology?

Seek out CLE courses focusing on recent legal reforms, technology impact on law practice, and future trends. These courses can provide critical insights and keep you ahead in your field.

How can attorneys find specialized CLE courses relevant to their practice areas?

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.

Are there CLE courses available that focus on recent legal developments?

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.