Connecticut Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Connecticut CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	12 credit hours per calendar year
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours required in ethics or professionalism
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webcast, on-demand, or distance learning (if accredited)
Compliance Period	January 1 – December 31
Reporting Deadline	Attorneys self-certify by March 10 of the following year
Carryover Credit	Up to 2 hours may be carried forward to the next year
Exemptions / Special Rules	Judges, federal employees, newly admitted attorneys (first calendar year)
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-certify compliance via the Judicial Branch Attorney Registration system

Overview

Connecticut requires all active attorneys to complete 12 hours of accredited CLE each calendar year, including at least 2 hours in ethics or professionalism. Credits can be earned through live, on-demand, or distance learning courses, provided they are offered by an approved provider. Attorneys self-certify compliance as part of their annual registration due March 10.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 12 total CLE hours required per calendar year
• At least 2 hours must be in ethics or professionalism
• Acceptable formats include in-person programs, live webinars, and on-demand courses
• Attorneys may earn credit for teaching CLE, publishing legal writing, or participating in bar committees if the activity meets accreditation standards
• Providers must be approved by the Connecticut Commission on Minimum Continuing Legal Education

Compliance Period

• The compliance year runs from January 1 through December 31
• All required CLE must be completed within the same calendar year
• Attorneys report compliance by March 10 of the following year during the annual registration process

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-certify CLE compliance each year via the Judicial Branch Attorney Registration system
• Providers may submit attendance but attorneys remain responsible for ensuring compliance
• If an attorney fails to comply, the Statewide Grievance Committee will issue a notice of deficiency with 60 days to cure
• Failure to cure may result in suspension or referral to disciplinary authorities

Carryover Rules

• Up to 2 CLE credit hours may be carried over to the next reporting year
• Ethics and professionalism credits can also be carried over if within the 2-hour limit

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt for the calendar year in which they are admitted
• Full-time federal or state government attorneys who do not practice privately may be exempt
• Judges and members of the federal judiciary are exempt
• Attorneys may apply for a temporary waiver due to hardship, disability, or extraordinary circumstances

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be offered by an approved provider recognized by the Connecticut MCLE Commission
• Attorneys can request approval for non-approved courses by submitting documentation
• Alternative credit may be earned for:
  • Teaching CLE or law school courses
  • Authoring legal publications
  • Bar or committee service that includes educational components
• All activities must meet MCLE content and verification standards

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE will receive a deficiency notice
• A 60-day grace period is provided to cure deficiencies
• Continued noncompliance can lead to suspension from practice
• Reinstatement requires proof of completion and compliance certification

How to Report CLE in Connecticut

1. Log into the Judicial Branch Attorney Registration system
2. Confirm your CLE completion record for the prior calendar year
3. Self-certify compliance by March 10 during annual registration
4. Retain proof of attendance for seven years in case of audit
5. If deficient, complete missing credits within the 60-day cure period

Connecticut CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Connecticut?

12 hours per year, including 2 hours in ethics or professionalism.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Both live webinars and on-demand courses are acceptable if accredited.

Can I carry over credits?

Yes. Up to 2 credits, including ethics, may be carried over to the next year.

Who is exempt from CLE?

Judges, federal employees, and attorneys admitted during the current calendar year.

What happens if I fail to complete my CLE?

You’ll receive a deficiency notice and must cure within 60 days to avoid suspension.

Can I earn CLE for teaching or writing?

Yes. Teaching or publishing legal content may qualify if it meets MCLE requirements.

Connecticut CLE Resources

• Connecticut MCLE Information: https://www.jud.ct.gov/mcle/
• Connecticut MCLE Rules (PDF): https://www.jud.ct.gov/mcle/MCLE_Rules.pdf
• Attorney Registration Portal: https://www.jud.ct.gov/attorneyregistration/
• MCLE FAQs: https://www.jud.ct.gov/mcle/faq.htm