Illinois CLE Requirements

Attorneys in Illinois must complete 30 credit hours over a two-year reporting period to comply with the Illinois State Bar CLE requirements.

Illinois attorneys must complete at least 4 hours of professional responsibility, 1 hour on diversity and inclusion, and 1 hour addressing mental illness and addiction within their 30-hour requirement.

The compliance deadline for completing CLE credits in Illinois is June 30th, at the end of each attorney’s reporting period.

Illinois attorneys must report their CLE credits by July 31st, following the end of their compliance period.

Newly admitted attorneys in Illinois must complete a 6-hour Basic Skills course plus 9 additional hours of approved CLE credits within their first two years of admission.

Yes, attorneys in Illinois may carry over excess CLE credits. Still, the specific details on limits and types of credits eligible for carryover should be verified with the Illinois MCLE Board.

Yes, the Illinois Bar requires additional credit types beyond general and ethics credits. Attorneys must complete at least six professional responsibility credits every two years, which include sub-requirements: one hour in diversity and inclusion and one hour in mental health and substance abuse.

Illinois attorneys can complete their CLE credits through live webcasts, on-demand recordings, or in-person events, complying with the state's distance learning requirements.

Illinois attorneys must self-report their CLE compliance through the Illinois MCLE Board’s official website, where they can also manage and track their CLE history.

Attorneys are typically responsible for tracking their CLE credits and must report their compliance to their state bar association or a designated CLE board. Documentation or certificates of completion are often required to verify attendance and completion of courses.

Some jurisdictions allow attorneys to carry over excess CLE credits from one compliance period to the next. However, there are often limits on the number of credits that can be transferred and the eligible types.

Approved CLE providers are usually listed on the website of the state’s bar association or the judicial department that regulates legal practice in the jurisdiction. These providers must meet specific criteria to ensure their courses comply with the jurisdiction's standards and requirements.