Delaware Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Delaware CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	24 credit hours every 2 years
Ethics / Professional Responsibility	4 hours must be in “Enhanced Ethics”
Live / In-Person Minimum	At least 12 credit hours must be from live, in-person programs
Online / eCLE Cap	Up to 12 credit hours may be earned via eCLE (webcast, on-demand, etc.)
Compliance Period	Two-year cycle ending December 31 (cycles based on admission year parity)
Reporting / Verification Deadline	Transcript verification due by March 1 following the year the cycle ends
Carryover Credit	Up to 20 excess credits may carry over (but cannot carry over as ethics)
Exemptions / Special Rules	Senior attorneys, newly admitted attorneys, inactive status, comity for out-of-state attorneys
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys verify their CLE via uploaded transcript and commission report

Overview

Delaware attorneys must complete 24 approved CLE credit hours during each two-year compliance period, including 4 hours of Enhanced Ethics. At least 12 credit hours must be earned from live, in-person programs, and up to 12 credit hours may be from eCLE (interactive distance formats). Attorneys must verify their CLE transcript by March 1 following the cycle’s end. Recent rule changes took effect November 1, 2024, so check for updates.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 24 total CLE credit hours required every two years
• 4 credit hours must be in Enhanced Ethics
• At least 12 hours must come from live, in-person programs attended with other attorneys
• Up to 12 hours may be earned via eCLE (webcasts, online courses, etc.)
• eCLE may include synchronous or asynchronous interactive formats
• Credits earned beyond 24 may be carried forward (see carryover rules)
• Teaching, writing, court appointments, pro bono service, and other educational activities may be eligible when approved by the Commission

Compliance Period

• The CLE cycle spans two calendar years, ending December 31
• Attorneys admitted in even-numbered years have cycles ending in even-numbered years; odd-numbered admissions end in odd years
• All required CLE must be completed by December 31 of the compliance period

Reporting and Verification

• The Commission sends attorneys a transcript; attorneys must verify the transcript and report by March 1 of the verification year
• If amendments are needed, attorneys may submit corrections through the Commission’s reporting system
• Failure to verify or complete by the deadline may result in non-compliance status

Carryover Rules

• Excess CLE credits (beyond the 24 required) may carry over, up to 20 credits
• Ethics credits cannot carry over as ethics but may count as general CLE in the next cycle

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Senior attorneys (40+ years admitted) have lower CLE obligation: 12 credits every two years, with 2 in Enhanced Ethics and 6 from live programs
• New admittee attorneys: CLE requirement begins January 1 following admission; they must complete certain “Fundamentals” courses within their first two cycles
• Inactive, retired, or attorneys who certify non-practice may be exempt
• Out-of-state attorneys practicing primarily elsewhere may claim comity if they comply with their home jurisdiction’s CLE rules

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be approved by the Delaware Commission on CLE
• Providers must maintain attendance records and submit them to the Commission
• Alternative activities that may be eligible include:
  • Teaching CLE or law courses
  • Authoring scholarly publications
  • Court appointments or service to commissions
  • Uncompensated pro bono legal services (limited eligibility)

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or verify CLE may receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A delinquency fee (e.g. $150) may be assessed
• Attorneys may cure deficiencies by completing missing credits and paying fees by March 1
• After April 15, attorneys who still fail to cure may face administrative suspension
• Reinstatement requires proof of compliance and payment of fees

How to Report CLE in Delaware

1. Review the CLE transcript sent by the Commission after your compliance period ends
2. Confirm all credited hours and make any necessary corrections
3. Verify your CLE via the Commission’s reporting system by March 1
4. If deficient, complete missing credits and submit proof plus any fees by the cure deadline
5. Retain certificates, agendas, attendance records, and documentation for at least three years

Delaware CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Delaware?

24 credit hours every two years, including 4 in Enhanced Ethics.

How many hours must be live?

At least 12 hours must be earned from live, in-person programs.

How many hours can be online or eCLE?

Up to 12 credit hours may be earned via approved eCLE programs.

Can excess credits carry over?

Yes, up to 20 credits may carry forward, but ethics credits carry only as general CLE.

What if I don’t verify by March 1?

You may face a delinquency fee, notice of noncompliance, or suspension if not cured.

Who is exempt from Delaware CLE?

Senior attorneys, inactive status attorneys, newly admitted attorneys (first year), or attorneys practicing in jurisdictions with comity recognition.

Can teaching or writing count for CLE?

Yes, such activities can qualify if approved by the Commission.

Delaware CLE Resources

• Delaware Supreme Court CLE Page: https://courts.delaware.gov/cle/
• Delaware CLE Rules (PDF): https://www.courts.delaware.gov/forms/download.aspx?id=160618
• Delaware State Bar CLE Commission: https://www.dsba.org/cle/
• Delaware CLE FAQ: (available via the CLE Commission website)