Montana Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Montana CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	15 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours required each year
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
Online / Self-Study Cap	Up to 5 hours may be earned through on-demand or self-study
Compliance Period	April 1 – March 31 each year
Reporting Deadline	May 15 each year
Carryover Credit	Up to 30 general CLE hours may carry forward; ethics cannot
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, judges, and emeritus members
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Montana CLE online portal

Overview

Montana requires all active attorneys to complete 15 CLE credit hours each year, including 2 hours in ethics or professionalism. The compliance period runs from April 1 through March 31, and attorneys must report CLE compliance by May 15 through the Montana CLE online portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 15 total CLE hours required per reporting year
• Of the 15 hours, 2 must be in ethics or professionalism
• At least 10 hours must be earned through live or synchronous programs
• Up to 5 hours may be earned through on-demand or self-study programs
• CLE credit may also be earned for teaching, writing, or bar-related educational activities
• Courses must be accredited by the Montana Commission of Continuing Legal Education

Compliance Period

• The CLE compliance period runs annually from April 1 through March 31
• All CLE must be completed within that period
• Attorneys must submit compliance certification by May 15

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the Montana CLE online reporting portal
• Providers may also report attendance directly, but attorneys must verify their transcripts
• Failure to report or complete CLE by May 15 results in a notice of noncompliance
• Late reports may be subject to a $50 late fee

Carryover Rules

• Up to 30 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next reporting period
• Ethics or professionalism credits cannot carry over

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt for the reporting year in which they are admitted but must complete the New Lawyers Orientation Program within 1 year of admission
• Inactive, emeritus, and judicial members are exempt from CLE requirements while in those statuses
• Attorneys may apply for extensions or waivers for hardship, illness, or military service

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be approved by the Montana Commission of Continuing Legal Education
• Out-of-state CLE courses accredited by another jurisdiction may qualify upon submission for approval
• Attorneys may earn credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Authoring legal publications or scholarly articles
  • Participation in bar-related educational activities
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to comply or report CLE receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A 30-day grace period is provided to complete deficient hours and pay a $50 late fee
• Continued noncompliance results in administrative suspension by the Montana Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires proof of completion, payment of fees, and filing of a compliance affidavit

How to Report CLE in Montana

1. Complete 15 CLE hours, including 2 ethics hours, by March 31
2. Log in to the Montana CLE online reporting portal
3. Review and verify your CLE transcript
4. Submit your annual compliance certification by May 15
5. Retain certificates and supporting documentation for audit

Montana CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Montana?

15 hours annually, including 2 hours in ethics or professionalism.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 5 hours per year may be earned through accredited on-demand or self-study programs.

Can I carry over CLE credits?

Yes. Up to 30 general hours may carry forward, but ethics credits cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in Montana?

Newly admitted attorneys (first year), inactive, emeritus, and judicial members.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll receive a notice of noncompliance and risk administrative suspension if deficiencies aren’t corrected.

What is the New Lawyers Orientation Program?

A required program for new Montana attorneys focusing on professional ethics, state court practice, and professionalism, completed within 1 year of admission.

Montana CLE Resources

• Montana Commission of Continuing Legal Education: https://montanabar.org/CLE
• CLE Rules (Rule 15): https://courts.mt.gov/courts/supreme/boards/cle
• CLE Online Portal: https://courts.mt.gov/cle
• Montana CLE FAQs: https://courts.mt.gov/courts/supreme/boards/cle/faqs