Indiana Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Indiana CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	36 credit hours every 3 years
Annual Minimum	6 credit hours per year
Ethics / Professionalism	3 hours in legal ethics or professional responsibility each cycle
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webcast, or distance learning (subject to limits)
Distance Learning Cap	Up to 18 hours per 3-year period (including ethics)
Compliance Period	3-year cycle ending December 31
Reporting Deadline	December 31 (completion); attorneys certify via annual registration
Carryover Credit	Up to 12 hours may carry over to the next cycle
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, judges, inactive attorneys, and retired members
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report through the Indiana Courts Portal

Overview

Indiana requires all active attorneys to complete 36 credit hours of CLE every three years, with at least 6 hours completed annually and 3 hours in legal ethics or professional responsibility per reporting cycle. Credits must be completed by December 31, and attorneys certify compliance annually when renewing registration.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 36 total CLE credit hours required every 3 years
• Minimum 6 hours required each year
• 3 hours must be in ethics or professional responsibility each 3-year cycle
• Courses may be live, online, or distance-based, subject to Indiana’s accreditation rules
• A maximum of 18 credit hours may be earned through distance education within each 3-year period
• Credit may be earned through teaching, writing, or bar-related educational activities if pre-approved

Compliance Period

• Each attorney’s 3-year compliance cycle is based on the calendar year, ending December 31
• Attorneys must complete at least 6 hours each year within that period
• The reporting period closes December 31, with certification during annual registration

Reporting and Deadlines

• CLE compliance is certified during the Indiana Attorney Annual Registration process
• Attorneys may verify their CLE transcript through the Indiana Courts Portal
• CLE sponsors report attendance to the Indiana Commission on CLE within 30 days of course completion
• Attorneys should confirm all courses are properly reflected on their transcript before year-end

Carryover Rules

• Up to 12 credit hours may carry forward into the next 3-year reporting period
• Ethics and professional responsibility hours may carry forward if properly designated

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys must complete the Applied Professionalism Program within their first 3 years of admission
• Judges, inactive attorneys, and retired attorneys are exempt from CLE requirements while in those statuses
• Attorneys returning to active status must complete any missed hours before reinstatement
• Hardship exemptions may be granted for illness, military service, or other good cause

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education
• Attorneys may submit applications for out-of-state programs to be reviewed for Indiana credit
• Alternative CLE credit may be earned for:
  • Teaching CLE or law school courses
  • Publishing legal writing or scholarly works
  • Participation in bar or professional education committees
• Attorneys must retain certificates of attendance for at least 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Failure to meet CLE requirements results in a Notice of Noncompliance
• Attorneys have 60 days to cure deficiencies and may be assessed late fees
• Continued noncompliance can lead to administrative suspension
• Reinstatement requires proof of compliance, payment of fees, and Supreme Court approval

How to Report CLE in Indiana

1. Complete required CLE hours by December 31 of your reporting year
2. Confirm all accredited hours appear in your Indiana Courts CLE Transcript
3. Certify CLE compliance during your annual attorney registration renewal
4. Retain attendance certificates and course documentation for your records

Indiana CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Indiana?

36 hours every 3 years, including 3 hours in ethics or professional responsibility.

Is there an annual CLE minimum?

Yes. Attorneys must complete at least 6 hours per year.

How many CLE hours can be completed online?

Up to 18 hours per 3-year cycle may be earned through distance learning.

Can CLE credits carry over?

Yes. Up to 12 hours, including ethics, may carry over to the next cycle.

Who is exempt from CLE in Indiana?

Judges, inactive attorneys, retired attorneys, and newly admitted attorneys (until their Applied Professionalism Program is complete).

What happens if I fail to complete my CLE?

You may receive a notice of noncompliance and risk administrative suspension if deficiencies aren’t cured.

What is the Applied Professionalism Program?

A required program for new attorneys, focusing on ethics, civility, and professional conduct, to be completed within 3 years of admission.

Indiana CLE Resources

• Indiana CLE Requirements: https://www.in.gov/courts/ace/cle/
• Indiana CLE Rules (Rule 29): https://www.in.gov/courts/rules/admis/
• Indiana Courts Portal: https://portal.courts.in.gov/
• Indiana Commission for CLE: https://www.inbar.org/page/CLErequirements