Michigan Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Michigan CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	No mandatory CLE for attorneys
Ethics / Professionalism	None required by rule (recommended for competence)
Delivery Formats Allowed	N/A (voluntary participation encouraged)
Compliance Period	N/A
Reporting Deadline	N/A
Carryover Credit	Not applicable
Exemptions / Special Rules	All attorneys are exempt (CLE voluntary statewide)
Reporting Responsibility	Not applicable

Overview

Michigan does not have a mandatory continuing legal education (CLE) requirement for attorneys. Participation in CLE programs is voluntary, but strongly encouraged by the State Bar of Michigan (SBM) and the Michigan Supreme Court as part of maintaining competence under Rule 1.1 of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct.

The State Bar of Michigan offers CLE guidance, online learning tools, and approved courses through bar sections, local bar associations, and external providers.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• There are no mandatory CLE credit hours required for active attorneys in Michigan
• Attorneys are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities through:
  • Legal education seminars and webinars
  • Bar section training programs
  • Ethics and technology courses
  • Leadership, practice management, and access to justice education
• Some specialized practice areas (e.g., court-appointed criminal defense or family law mediators) may have separate education standards established by administrative order

Compliance Period

• There is no formal compliance or reporting period
• Attorneys may track their voluntary CLE activities for their own records or for organizational certification purposes

Reporting and Deadlines

• Since CLE is voluntary, attorneys are not required to report course attendance
• The State Bar of Michigan provides an online Member Area where attorneys can record and manage CLE credits for personal tracking if desired

Carryover Rules

• Not applicable, as there are no minimum CLE requirements

Exemptions and Special Rules

• All attorneys are exempt, as CLE is not mandatory
• Certain appointed or certified professionals (e.g., mediators, guardians ad litem) may have training requirements imposed by specific administrative rules
• Continuing judicial education is separately mandated for judges under Administrative Order 2020-19

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• Since there is no mandatory CLE, accreditation is not required for CLE providers in Michigan
• The State Bar of Michigan maintains a Practice Management Resource Center (PMRC) that curates CLE and legal education resources
• Attorneys may complete CLE from any reputable provider for professional development or certification purposes

Non-Compliance Penalties

• There are no penalties for non-participation in CLE
• However, attorneys are still bound by Michigan Rule of Professional Conduct 1.1, requiring competence, which may include ongoing education as part of ethical practice

How to Track CLE in Michigan

1. Access the State Bar of Michigan Member Area
2. Use the CLE tracking tool to record voluntary courses
3. Explore professional development opportunities through the SBM and its Practice Management Resource Center

Michigan CLE Frequently Asked Questions

Does Michigan require CLE for attorneys?

No. Michigan does not have mandatory CLE requirements.

Can I still earn CLE credits?

Yes. Attorneys are encouraged to complete voluntary CLE through accredited providers or the State Bar of Michigan’s offerings.

Are there CLE requirements for judges or mediators?

Yes. Judges and certain court-appointed professionals must complete training as defined by Michigan Supreme Court administrative orders.

Are ethics courses required?

No. Ethics CLE is not required but is highly recommended for professional competence.

Will I be penalized if I don’t complete CLE?

No. CLE is voluntary for Michigan attorneys, though maintaining competence is an ethical obligation.

Michigan CLE Resources

• State Bar of Michigan CLE Information: https://www.michbar.org/pmrc/cle
• Practice Management Resource Center: https://www.michbar.org/pmrc
• Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct (Rule 1.1): https://www.michbar.org/generalinfo/mrpc
• Judicial Education Requirements (Administrative Order 2020-19): https://www.courts.michigan.gov/