Alaska Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Alaska CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	12 credit hours per calendar year
Ethics / Professionalism	3 hours minimum each year
Live / Interactive Minimum	All types (live, webcast) are allowed; no strict live-only minimum
Online / Distance Credits	Webcast or interactive distance programs are acceptable
Compliance Period	January 1 – December 31 each year
Reporting Deadline	February 1 of the following year
Carryover Credit	Up to 12 credits may be carried over (including ethics and non-ethics)
Exemptions / Special Rules	Inactive, retired, and new admittees are exempt
Reporting Responsibility	Self-report through the Alaska Bar CLE Portal

Overview

Alaska CLE, also referred to as MCLE (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education), requires active members to complete 12 credit hours each year, including at least 3 hours in ethics (MECLE). The compliance year runs from January 1 through December 31, and attorneys must report compliance by February 1 of the following year.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 12 CLE credit hours required annually
• At least 3 hours must be in ethics (MECLE)
• The remaining 9 hours are voluntary CLE (VCLE)
• Credit may be earned via live programs, webcasts, or interactive courses
• Recorded courses may count if approved by another CLE jurisdiction
• Other activities may qualify, including teaching, writing, mentoring, and bar service, subject to approval under Rule 65(e)

Compliance Period

• Compliance year: January 1 – December 31
• All credits must be completed within this timeframe
• CLE certification must be filed by February 1 of the following year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE compliance via the Alaska Bar CLE Portal
• Reports are due February 1 each year
• Extensions or waivers may be requested for extenuating circumstances

Carryover Rules

• Up to 12 CLE credits may be carried forward to the next year
• Carryover credits may include both ethics and non-ethics credits

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Inactive and retired members are exempt
• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt during their year of admission, with reporting beginning the following year
• Time extensions or waivers may be granted under Bar Rule 65(d)

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be approved by the Alaska Bar Association or recognized by another CLE jurisdiction
• Bar programs are automatically approved; external providers must apply for accreditation
• Activities that may qualify under Rule 65(e):
  • Teaching CLE or law school courses (with prep time credit)
  • Authoring legal articles or publications
  • Mentoring, committee service, bar service, and judicial education

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Failure to comply may result in a notice of noncompliance under Rule 66
• Continued noncompliance may lead to suspension from practice
• Reinstatement requires proof of compliance, payment of fees, and completion of outstanding obligations

How to Report CLE in Alaska

1. Log into the Alaska Bar Member Portal
2. Review your transcript or CLE records
3. Input or upload credits earned
4. Submit your compliance report by February 1
5. Request extensions or waivers if needed

Alaska CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Alaska?

12 credit hours annually, including 3 in ethics (MECLE).

Can I earn all my CLE credits online?

Yes. Approved interactive online programs and webcasts are acceptable.

How many credits must be ethics?

At least 3 hours each year must be in ethics (MECLE).

Can I carry over unused credits?

Yes. Up to 12 credits may be carried into the next reporting year.

Who is exempt from reporting?

Inactive attorneys, retired members, and newly admitted attorneys during their admission year.

What happens if I do not comply?

You may receive a notice of noncompliance and risk suspension until compliance is restored.

What alternate activities qualify for CLE?

Teaching, writing, bar service, mentoring, and judicial education may count if approved.

Alaska CLE Resources

• Alaska Bar CLE / MCLE Page: https://alaskabar.org/cle-mcle/
• Alaska MCLE Rule 65 (PDF): https://alaskabar.org/wp-content/uploads/Rule-65.pdf
• Alaska MCLE FAQs: https://alaskabar.org/cle-mcle/mcle-faqs/