Kansas Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Kansas CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	12 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours in ethics or professionalism required each year
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webcast, or pre-recorded (if accredited)
On-Demand / Distance Cap	Up to 6 hours per year may be earned through on-demand or prerecorded programs
Compliance Period	July 1 – June 30 each year
Reporting Deadline	July 31 of each year
Carryover Credit	Up to 10 general CLE hours may carry over; 2 ethics hours may carry over
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Kansas CLE Commission’s online portal

Overview

Kansas attorneys must complete 12 hours of CLE each compliance period, including 2 hours in ethics or professionalism. The compliance year runs from July 1 through June 30, and attorneys must report completion by July 31. Approved formats include live programs, webinars, and limited on-demand programs.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 12 total CLE credit hours required annually
• 2 hours must be in ethics or professionalism
• At least 6 hours must be earned through live or synchronous activities
• The remaining 6 hours may be earned through approved on-demand or prerecorded courses
• Credit can be earned for teaching, writing, or serving as faculty in accredited programs
• Courses must be approved by the Kansas Continuing Legal Education Commission

Compliance Period

• CLE compliance year runs from July 1 through June 30
• Attorneys must complete all required hours by June 30
• CLE reports are due to the Commission by July 31

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the Kansas CLE Commission online portal
• Providers usually report attendance, but attorneys are responsible for ensuring accuracy
• A $75 late filing fee applies for reports submitted after July 31
• The CLE Commission mails or emails compliance summaries before the reporting deadline

Carryover Rules

• Up to 10 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next compliance year
• Up to 2 ethics or professionalism hours may also carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt for the first compliance period following admission and must complete the New Lawyer CLE Program within 12 months
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt from CLE while in those statuses
• Attorneys may apply for extensions or waivers due to hardship, illness, or military service

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the Kansas Continuing Legal Education Commission
• Out-of-state courses accredited by another MCLE jurisdiction may be accepted upon submission
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit through:
  • Teaching CLE or law school courses
  • Authoring legal articles or publications
  • Serving on bar association committees with educational functions
• Providers must keep attendance records for 5 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to meet CLE or reporting requirements receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A 30-day grace period may be granted to cure deficiencies
• Continued noncompliance may result in suspension by the Kansas Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires completion of credits, submission of proof, and payment of fees

How to Report CLE in Kansas

1. Complete 12 CLE hours, including 2 ethics hours, by June 30
2. Log into the Kansas CLE Commission online portal
3. Review your transcript and verify reported hours
4. Submit your compliance report by July 31
5. Retain certificates and documentation for audit

Kansas CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Kansas?

12 credit hours each compliance period, including 2 ethics or professionalism hours.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 6 hours per year may be earned through approved on-demand or prerecorded programs.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 10 general hours and 2 ethics hours may carry forward.

Who is exempt from CLE in Kansas?

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

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You may be assessed a late fee, receive a notice of noncompliance, and risk suspension if deficiencies aren’t cured.

What is the New Lawyer CLE Program?

A required course for newly admitted Kansas attorneys that must be completed within 12 months of admission.

Kansas CLE Resources

• Kansas CLE Commission: https://www.kscle.org/
• CLE Rules (Kansas Supreme Court Rules 802–811): https://www.kscourts.org/Rules-Orders/Supreme-Court-Rules
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.kscle.org/
• CLE FAQs: https://www.kscle.org/attorneys/faqs