Colorado Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Colorado CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	45 credit hours per three-year compliance period
Professional Responsibility	7 hours minimum (must include 5 in legal ethics/professionalism + 2 in equity, diversity & inclusivity)
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webcast, home study / on-demand (accredited)
Compliance Period	Three years (cycles based on admission or group assignment)
Reporting Deadline	January 31 following end of compliance period
Carryover Credit	None — credits do not carry forward
Exemptions / Special Rules	Age (72+), inactive status, comity rules for out-of-state attorneys
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via online affidavit system (CLETrack / Supreme Court)

Overview

Colorado requires active lawyers (and judges) to complete 45 credit hours of CLE in each three-year compliance period. Of those, 7 hours must be devoted to professional responsibility, including at least 5 hours in legal ethics or professionalism and 2 hours in equity, diversity & inclusivity (EDI). Credits must be earned through accredited programs (live, webcast, or home study) and reported via the online affidavit system by January 31 following the end of the compliance period.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 45 total CLE credit hours required every three years
• Minimum 7 hours in professional responsibility, comprised of: • At least 5 hours in legal ethics or professionalism • At least 2 hours in equity, diversity & inclusivity (EDI)
• Programs must be accredited by Colorado’s CLE authority
• Acceptable delivery formats: live events, webcasts, and interactive home study
• Additional credit-earning activities (e.g. teaching, writing, pro bono representation, mentoring under CAMP) are permitted under specific rules
• Pro bono legal representation may earn up to 9 CLE credits per period (but not in professional responsibility)
• Participation in Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program (CAMP) may yield credit (subject to limits)

Compliance Period

• The first compliance period for newly admitted attorneys begins upon admission and ends December 31 of the third full calendar year following admission
• Subsequent cycles run from January 1 to December 31 over three years
• Attorneys must complete all CLE by December 31 of the final year in the cycle

Reporting and Deadlines

• Lawyers must self-report CLE credits via Colorado’s online CLE affidavit system (CLETrack)
• Reporting deadline: January 31 after the end of the compliance period
• Late reporting is subject to fees
• Attorneys are encouraged to report credits as they are earned to avoid backlog

Carryover Rules

• Colorado does not allow carryover of CLE credits from one compliance period to the next

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Attorneys aged 72 or older may be exempt from CLE requirements
• Attorneys in inactive status are exempt while inactive
• Out-of-state attorneys whose primary jurisdiction has CLE may qualify for comity by submitting their other state’s CLE transcript and satisfying other criteria
• Attorneys may request adjustments or waivers under certain circumstances

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• Only CLE programs accredited by Colorado’s CLJE Office count
• Providers must ensure courses meet content and accreditation standards
• Alternative methods for credit include teaching, authorship, pro bono work, and mentoring (CAMP) under defined rules
• Credit for pro bono: up to 9 hours per cycle (non-professional responsibility)
• CAMP participation may award up to 9 CLE credits (with limits on professional responsibility)

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Failure to satisfy CLE or report may result in administrative penalties and suspension
• Attorneys may be required to submit a make-up plan to cure deficiency
• Persistent noncompliance can lead to license suspension or other disciplinary action
• Reinstatement requires proof of compliance and payment of fees

How to Report CLE in Colorado

1. Log into the CLE affidavit / reporting system (CLETrack)
2. Review your transcript and pending CLE credits
3. Enter completed and accredited CLE activities
4. Submit your compliance affidavit by January 31 after your cycle ends
5. If deficient, file a make-up plan as required
6. Maintain records and certificates in case of audit

Colorado CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Colorado?

45 credit hours over a three-year compliance period, including required professional responsibility hours.

What is included in professional responsibility?

At least 5 hours in legal ethics/professionalism, plus 2 hours in equity, diversity & inclusivity (EDI).

Can I carry over unused credits?

No. Credits do not carry forward to the next compliance period.

What happens if I miss the reporting deadline?

You may incur late fees, be required to submit a make-up plan, or face disciplinary consequences.

Who is exempt from Colorado CLE?

Attorneys age 72 or older, those in inactive status, and qualifying out-of-state lawyers under comity.

Can pro bono or mentoring count for credit?

Yes — up to 9 credits for pro bono service (non-professional responsibility) and CAMP mentoring credits (subject to limits).

Colorado CLE Resources

• Colorado CLE / CLETrack: https://cletrack.coloradosupremecourt.com
• Colorado CLE Rules & Regulations (PDF): https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/sites/default/files/Regulations%20Governing%20Mandatory%20Continuing%20Legal%20and%20Judicial%20Education%20for%20the%20State%20of%20Colorado.pdf
• Colorado CLE FAQ: https://www.coloradolegalregulation.com/current-lawyers/faq_cle