Kentucky Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Kentucky CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	12 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours in ethics or professional responsibility required each year
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webcast, on-demand, or distance learning (if accredited)
Compliance Period	July 1 – June 30 each year
Reporting Deadline	August 10 each year
Carryover Credit	Up to 24 general hours and 4 ethics hours may carry over
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive or retired members, judges, and those on military or hardship status
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Kentucky Bar Association’s CLE portal

Overview

Kentucky requires all active attorneys to complete 12 CLE credit hours each year, including at least 2 hours in ethics or professional responsibility. The CLE year runs from July 1 through June 30, and compliance must be reported by August 10 through the Kentucky Bar Association’s online reporting portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 12 CLE credit hours required annually
• Of the 12 hours, at least 2 must be in ethics or professional responsibility
• Courses may be taken live, via webcast, or through on-demand or distance formats if accredited
• Teaching CLE, publishing legal writing, or serving on educational panels may also qualify for CLE credit
• All courses must be approved by the Kentucky Continuing Legal Education Commission

Compliance Period

• The reporting cycle runs from July 1 through June 30 each year
• All required credits must be earned during that period
• Attorneys must verify and report compliance by August 10 of the same year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE compliance through the Kentucky Bar Association CLE portal
• CLE providers typically report attendance within 30 days, but attorneys must confirm their transcripts are accurate
• Failure to report or complete CLE by August 10 results in a delinquency notice and $50 late fee
• Continued noncompliance after September 10 may result in administrative suspension

Carryover Rules

• Up to 24 general CLE hours may carry over to the next reporting year
• Up to 4 ethics or professionalism hours may also carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE requirements for the remainder of the fiscal year in which they are admitted
• Judges, retired, and inactive members are exempt
• Attorneys serving in the military or facing hardship may apply for extensions or waivers
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must make up missed CLE hours from their inactive period

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE courses must be approved by the Kentucky Continuing Legal Education Commission
• Out-of-state programs accredited by another MCLE jurisdiction may be approved upon submission
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching CLE or law school courses
  • Writing and publishing legal articles or books
  • Participating in bar association educational activities
• Providers must maintain attendance records for at least 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE by August 10 will receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A 30-day grace period is allowed with a $50 late fee
• Continued noncompliance by September 10 results in administrative suspension
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, proof of compliance, and payment of reinstatement fees

How to Report CLE in Kentucky

1. Complete 12 CLE hours, including 2 ethics, by June 30
2. Log in to the Kentucky Bar Association CLE portal
3. Review your transcript and verify attendance records
4. Submit your compliance certification by August 10
5. Retain attendance certificates and proof of completion for audit

Kentucky CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Kentucky?

12 hours per year, including 2 hours in ethics or professional responsibility.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Accredited online and on-demand programs are accepted.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 24 general hours and 4 ethics hours may carry forward.

Who is exempt from CLE in Kentucky?

Newly admitted attorneys, judges, inactive members, retired attorneys, and those on military or hardship status.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll receive a notice of noncompliance and may be suspended if deficiencies aren’t cured by September 10.

Do teaching or writing activities count for CLE?

Yes. Attorneys can earn credit for teaching or authoring approved educational materials.

Kentucky CLE Resources

• Kentucky Bar Association CLE: https://www.kybar.org/page/CLEInformation
• CLE Rules (SCR 3.661–3.667): https://www.kybar.org/page/SCRs
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.kybar.org/
• Kentucky CLE FAQs: https://www.kybar.org/page/CLEFAQs