Iowa Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Iowa CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	15 credit hours per calendar year
Ethics / Professionalism	3 hours every 2 years (must include 1 hour on attorney wellness or diversity, equity, and inclusion every 3 years)
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webcast, on-demand, or self-study (if accredited)
Compliance Period	January 1 – December 31 each year
Reporting Deadline	March 10 of the following year
Carryover Credit	Up to 30 general CLE hours may carry over to the next reporting period; ethics credits may not
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive attorneys, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Iowa Judicial Branch CLE portal

Overview

Iowa attorneys must complete 15 CLE credit hours annually, including 3 hours of ethics or professional responsibility every 2 years, with at least 1 hour addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, or attorney wellness every 3 years. The reporting year runs from January 1 through December 31, and attorneys must report CLE compliance by March 10 of the following year.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 15 credit hours required each calendar year
• At least 3 hours of ethics or professional responsibility required every 2 years
• At least 1 hour of attorney wellness or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) every 3 years
• Courses may be completed live, by webcast, or through accredited on-demand/self-study formats
• Teaching CLE, publishing legal writing, or serving as a panelist may qualify for credit if pre-approved
• Attorneys must ensure programs are accredited by the Iowa Commission on Continuing Legal Education

Compliance Period

• CLE reporting follows an annual compliance period from January 1 to December 31
• Attorneys must report compliance by March 10 of the following year via the online CLE portal

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE credits through the Iowa Judicial Branch Office of Professional Regulation CLE Portal
• Providers submit attendance records to the Commission, but attorneys must verify their transcripts
• The CLE Commission sends reminders prior to the reporting deadline
• Failure to report or complete CLE results in a notice of noncompliance

Carryover Rules

• Up to 30 general CLE hours may be carried forward to the next reporting period
• Ethics or professional responsibility credits may not be carried forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE during the calendar year of admission but must complete the Basic Skills Course within 1 year of admission
• Inactive or retired attorneys are exempt while inactive but must complete CLE before reinstatement
• Judges are governed by separate judicial education requirements
• Attorneys may apply for waivers or extensions for hardship, illness, or military service

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the Iowa Commission on Continuing Legal Education
• Out-of-state CLE programs accredited by another MCLE jurisdiction may be approved upon request
• Credit may also be earned for:
  • Teaching or presenting at accredited CLE programs
  • Writing and publishing legal materials
  • Bar service or committee work related to legal education
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Failure to meet or report CLE requirements results in a Notice of Noncompliance
• Attorneys may cure deficiencies within a 30-day grace period by completing missing credits and paying a late fee
• Failure to cure may lead to suspension of the attorney’s license
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, payment of fees, and submission of proof of compliance

How to Report CLE in Iowa

1. Log into the Iowa Judicial Branch CLE Portal
2. Review your transcript and ensure all courses are recorded
3. Add self-study or out-of-state courses if necessary
4. Submit your annual compliance report by March 10
5. Retain attendance certificates for at least 3 years for audit

Iowa CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Iowa?

15 hours per year, including 3 hours of ethics every 2 years and 1 hour of wellness or DEI every 3 years.

Can I complete all CLE online?

Yes. Online and on-demand courses are accepted if accredited by the Iowa CLE Commission.

Can CLE hours carry over?

Yes. Up to 30 general hours may carry over, but ethics credits cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in Iowa?

Newly admitted attorneys (first year), inactive or retired members, and judges.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll receive a Notice of Noncompliance and risk suspension if deficiencies are not cured.

What is the Basic Skills Course Requirement?

A mandatory program for newly admitted attorneys to complete within 1 year of admission.

Iowa CLE Resources

• Iowa CLE Rules & Requirements: https://www.iacourtcommissions.org/cle
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.iacourtcommissions.org/attorney_login
• Iowa Court Rules Chapter 41 (MCLE): https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ACO/CourtRulesChapter/41.pdf
• Iowa Judicial Branch Office of Professional Regulation: https://www.iacourtcommissions.org/