New York Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

New York CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	24 credit hours per compliance period (biennially)
Ethics / Professionalism	4 hours in ethics and professionalism
Specialty Areas	1 hour in diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias (for experienced attorneys)
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, on-demand, or self-study (depending on status)
Newly Admitted Restrictions	Live or interactive formats required for most credits
Compliance Period	2-year cycle based on attorney’s birthday
Reporting Deadline	Attorneys certify CLE compliance on biennial attorney registration
Carryover Credit	Up to 6 general CLE hours may carry over to the next reporting period
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive or retired members, judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-certify via the New York Attorney Online Services Portal

Overview

New York requires attorneys to complete 24 CLE credit hours every 2 years, including 4 hours in ethics and professionalism and 1 hour in diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias. Requirements differ between newly admitted and experienced attorneys, and CLE is certified when attorneys file their biennial attorney registration with the New York State Unified Court System.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• Experienced attorneys (admitted over 2 years):
  • 24 total CLE hours every 2 years, including:
  • 4 hours in ethics and professionalism
  • 1 hour in diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias
  • Remaining 19 hours may be in any practice-related areas
• Newly admitted attorneys (first 2 years):
  • 32 total CLE hours during the first 2-year period, including:
  • 16 transitional CLE hours each year (3 in ethics, 6 in skills, 7 in law practice areas)
  • All transitional CLE must be completed through live or interactive formats
• CLE may be earned through accredited live, webinar, or on-demand courses (subject to restrictions for new attorneys)
• Courses must be approved by the New York State CLE Board

Compliance Period

• Attorneys are assigned a 2-year CLE cycle based on their birthday:
  • Attorneys born in even-numbered years report in even-numbered years
  • Attorneys born in odd-numbered years report in odd-numbered years
• CLE credits must be completed during the attorney’s biennial reporting cycle
• Attorneys certify compliance on their attorney registration form

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-certify CLE compliance via the New York Attorney Online Services Portal when filing biennial registration
• CLE providers report attendance for approved courses, but attorneys must retain records for at least 4 years
• The CLE Board conducts random audits to verify compliance
• Attorneys who fail to complete CLE may face delinquency notices or suspension until compliance is achieved

Carryover Rules

• Experienced attorneys may carry forward up to 6 general CLE hours to the next biennial reporting period
• Ethics and diversity credits cannot be carried forward
• Newly admitted attorneys may not carry over CLE credits

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys must complete transitional CLE through live or interactive formats within their first 2 years
• Inactive, retired, or judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active practice must complete CLE for any missed period
• Hardship exemptions or extensions may be granted by the CLE Board upon written request

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the New York State CLE Board
• Out-of-state CLE accredited in another jurisdiction may be approved for New York credit under reciprocity rules
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing or publishing legal materials
  • Participation in bar association educational programs
• Providers must maintain attendance and course records for 4 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to meet CLE requirements will receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• Failure to cure deficiencies may result in delinquency status and eventual administrative suspension
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, submission of proof, and payment of any associated fees

How to Report CLE in New York

1. Complete required CLE hours by the end of your biennial reporting cycle
2. Log in to the New York Attorney Online Services Portal
3. Certify CLE compliance as part of your biennial registration
4. Retain course certificates and records for at least 4 years for audit purposes

New York CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in New York?

Experienced attorneys must complete 24 hours every 2 years, including 4 in ethics and 1 in diversity.

What are the CLE requirements for newly admitted attorneys?

Newly admitted attorneys must complete 32 transitional CLE hours over their first 2 years, through live or interactive programs.

Can CLE be completed online?

Yes. Experienced attorneys may complete all CLE online; newly admitted attorneys must take live or interactive transitional programs.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Experienced attorneys may carry up to 6 general hours forward; newly admitted attorneys may not.

Who is exempt from CLE in New York?

Inactive or retired attorneys, judges, and newly admitted attorneys in their first compliance period (for non-transitional courses).

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll be marked delinquent and risk suspension until you meet CLE and registration requirements.

New York CLE Resources

• New York State CLE Board: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/attorneys/cle/index.shtml
• CLE Rules (Part 1500): https://ww2.nycourts.gov/attorneys/cle/rulesandregulations.shtml
• CLE Provider Directory: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/attorneys/cle/accredited_providers.shtml
• Attorney Online Services Portal: https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/
• CLE FAQs: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/attorneys/cle/faqs.shtml