Missouri Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Missouri CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	15 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	3 hours required, including 1 hour in elimination of bias
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webcast, on-demand, or self-study (if accredited)
Compliance Period	July 1 – June 30 each year
Reporting Deadline	July 31 each year
Carryover Credit	Up to 15 general hours and 3 ethics hours (including 1 bias hour) may carry forward
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, retired members, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Missouri Bar online MCLE portal

Overview

Missouri attorneys must complete 15 CLE credit hours annually, including 3 hours of ethics and professionalism, with 1 of those hours focused on the elimination of bias. The reporting year runs from July 1 through June 30, and CLE compliance must be reported by July 31 via the Missouri Bar’s MCLE reporting portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 15 total CLE hours required annually
• Of the 15 hours, 3 must be in ethics and professionalism, including 1 hour in elimination of bias
• Courses may be taken live, via webinar, or through on-demand/self-study if accredited
• Attorneys may earn additional CLE credit for teaching, publishing, or serving as faculty in accredited programs
• Courses must be accredited by the Missouri Bar MCLE Department

Compliance Period

• The CLE compliance year runs from July 1 to June 30
• Attorneys must complete all required credits within that period
• Compliance reports are due by July 31 of the same year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE compliance through the Missouri Bar online MCLE portal
• CLE providers may also report attendance directly to the MCLE Department
• Attorneys must confirm their transcripts and certify completion annually
• Failure to report or complete CLE by the deadline results in a notice of noncompliance and a $200 late fee

Carryover Rules

• Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next compliance year
• Up to 3 ethics hours, including 1 bias hour, may also carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE requirements during the year of admission but must complete the Missouri Bar’s “Annual Law Update” (New Lawyer Program) within 12 months
• Inactive, retired, or judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must make up missed CLE from prior years as required
• Hardship waivers or extensions may be granted for good cause

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE activities must be accredited by the Missouri Bar MCLE Department or approved by another recognized jurisdiction
• Out-of-state CLE programs may be approved for Missouri credit upon submission
• Attorneys can earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing and publishing legal materials
  • Serving on bar association educational committees
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to comply or report CLE receive a Notice of Noncompliance from the MCLE Department
• A $200 late fee applies for delinquent reports
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the Missouri Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires completion of deficient hours, payment of fees, and certification of compliance

How to Report CLE in Missouri

1. Complete 15 CLE hours, including 3 ethics and 1 bias, by June 30
2. Log in to the Missouri Bar MCLE portal
3. Review and verify your CLE transcript
4. Submit your compliance report by July 31
5. Retain certificates of attendance for audit purposes

Missouri CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Missouri?

15 hours annually, including 3 in ethics/professionalism and 1 in elimination of bias.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Accredited live webinars, on-demand, and self-study courses are accepted.

Can I carry over CLE credits?

Yes. Up to 15 general and 3 ethics (including 1 bias) hours may carry forward.

Who is exempt from CLE in Missouri?

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

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll be charged a late fee and may face administrative suspension for continued noncompliance.

What is the New Lawyer Program?

A mandatory program for newly admitted attorneys, typically the Missouri Bar’s “Annual Law Update,” completed within 12 months of admission.

Missouri CLE Resources

• Missouri Bar MCLE Department: https://mcle.mobar.org/
• Missouri Supreme Court Rule 15: https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=1910
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://mcle.mobar.org/
• Missouri CLE FAQs: https://mcle.mobar.org/faq