Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Massachusetts CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	No mandatory CLE for most attorneys
Ethics / Professionalism	1-hour “Practicing with Professionalism” course required for new admittees
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webcast, or on-demand (if accredited)
Compliance Period	N/A (one-time requirement for new admittees)
Reporting Deadline	Within 18 months of admission
Carryover Credit	Not applicable
Exemptions / Special Rules	Applies only to newly admitted attorneys
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys certify completion through the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers (BBO)

Overview

Massachusetts does not have a mandatory continuing legal education (CLE) requirement for active attorneys. However, newly admitted attorneys must complete a 1-hour Practicing with Professionalism (PWP) course within 18 months of admission to the Massachusetts Bar. This program is designed to introduce new lawyers to the ethical and professional standards required in Massachusetts practice.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• There is no annual or ongoing CLE requirement for attorneys in good standing
• New admittees must complete a 1-hour Practicing with Professionalism course within 18 months of admission
• The course must be approved by the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) and offered by accredited providers
• Topics typically include:
  • Ethics and professional conduct
  • Law office management and technology
  • Civility and client relations
  • Access to justice and pro bono responsibilities

Compliance Period

• New admittees have 18 months from the date of admission to complete the Practicing with Professionalism course
• After completion, attorneys are not required to complete additional CLE unless directed by disciplinary or judicial order

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys must certify completion of the Practicing with Professionalism course to the Board of Bar Overseers (BBO) within 18 months
• Approved providers submit attendance records directly to the BBO
• Failure to complete the course within the timeframe may result in administrative suspension until compliance is achieved

Carryover Rules

• Not applicable — there are no ongoing CLE requirements

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Only newly admitted attorneys are required to complete the PWP course
• Judges, inactive, and retired attorneys are exempt from any CLE obligations
• Attorneys reinstated after disciplinary suspension may be required to complete additional CLE as directed by the SJC or BBO

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) approves all Practicing with Professionalism course providers
• Providers must meet strict educational and administrative standards
• Courses must be at least 1 hour in duration and include live or interactive components
• Attorneys may not substitute other CLE activities for the PWP course requirement

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Failure to complete the Practicing with Professionalism course within 18 months of admission results in administrative suspension
• Reinstatement requires completion of the course and payment of applicable reinstatement fees
• Continued noncompliance may be referred to the Board of Bar Overseers (BBO) for disciplinary action

How to Report CLE in Massachusetts

1. Enroll in an SJC-approved Practicing with Professionalism course within 18 months of admission
2. Complete the 1-hour course through an approved provider
3. The provider will report attendance to the BBO automatically
4. Retain proof of attendance for your own records

Massachusetts CLE Frequently Asked Questions

Does Massachusetts require CLE for attorneys?

No. There is no mandatory CLE for active attorneys, except for the PWP requirement for new admittees.

What is the Practicing with Professionalism course?

A 1-hour course for new lawyers focusing on ethics, civility, technology, and access to justice, required within 18 months of admission.

Who must complete the PWP course?

All attorneys newly admitted to the Massachusetts Bar.

Are there ongoing CLE requirements after the PWP course?

No. Once the PWP course is completed, there are no additional CLE requirements unless imposed by disciplinary order.

What happens if I don’t complete the PWP course on time?

You may be administratively suspended until you complete the course and pay reinstatement fees.

How do I find an approved provider?

Approved course providers are listed on the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers (BBO) and Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) websites.

Massachusetts CLE Resources

• Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers: https://www.massbbo.org/
• Practicing with Professionalism Course Info: https://www.massbbo.org/AdmissionAndRegistration/PracticingWithProfessionalism
• Supreme Judicial Court Rules (Rule 3:16): https://www.mass.gov/info-details/sjc-rule-316-practicing-with-professionalism-course-for-new-lawyers
• Approved Course Providers List: https://www.massbbo.org/PracticingWithProfessionalismProviders