Ohio Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Ohio CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	24 credit hours every 2 years
Ethics / Professionalism	2.5 hours in professional conduct, ethics, or substance abuse
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 12 hours per 2-year period may be earned through on-demand courses
Compliance Period	2-year cycle based on the attorney’s last name (A–L or M–Z)
Reporting Deadline	December 31 of the reporting year
Carryover Credit	Up to 12 general hours may carry forward to the next reporting period
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Ohio Supreme Court Attorney Services Portal

Overview

Ohio attorneys must complete 24 CLE credit hours every two years, including 2.5 hours in professional conduct, ethics, or substance abuse. Reporting groups are divided alphabetically by last name, and attorneys must report completion by December 31 of their reporting year through the Ohio Supreme Court Attorney Services Portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 24 CLE hours every 2 years
• Of the 24 hours, at least 2.5 must be in professional conduct (covering ethics, professionalism, or substance abuse)
• Up to 12 hours may be earned through approved on-demand or self-study programs
• The remaining hours must come from live or interactive CLE programs
• Attorneys may earn credit for teaching, writing, or bar-related educational activities
• All CLE programs must be accredited by the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education

Compliance Period

• CLE compliance runs on a 2-year cycle determined by last name:
  • A–L: Report in odd-numbered years
  • M–Z: Report in even-numbered years
• Attorneys must complete required credits by December 31 of their reporting year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the Ohio Supreme Court Attorney Services Portal
• Providers typically report attendance directly to the Commission
• Attorneys should verify their transcript and ensure all courses are properly recorded
• Failure to report or complete CLE by the deadline results in a late fee and potential deficiency notice

Carryover Rules

• Up to 12 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next two-year period
• Professional conduct (ethics) hours cannot carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys must complete the New Lawyer Training (NLT) Program, which includes:
  • 9 hours of substantive law topics
  • 3 hours of ethics and professionalism
  • 1 hour of law office management
• NLT must be completed by the end of the attorney’s first full CLE reporting period
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must make up any missed CLE hours from prior periods

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE activities must be accredited by the Supreme Court of Ohio CLE Commission
• Out-of-state CLE programs accredited by another jurisdiction may qualify if submitted for approval
• Attorneys can earn CLE credit through:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing and publishing legal materials
  • Participation in bar association educational programs
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A $100 late fee applies for deficient reporting
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the Supreme Court of Ohio
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, proof of compliance, and payment of applicable fees

How to Report CLE in Ohio

1. Complete 24 CLE hours, including 2.5 in professional conduct, by December 31 of your reporting year
2. Log into the Ohio Supreme Court Attorney Services Portal
3. Verify your CLE transcript and ensure all credits are accurately listed
4. Submit your compliance certification by the reporting deadline
5. Retain attendance records and certificates for audit

Ohio CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Ohio?

24 hours every two years, including 2.5 in professional conduct, ethics, or substance abuse.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 12 hours may be completed through on-demand or self-study courses.

Can I carry over CLE credits?

Yes. Up to 12 general hours may carry forward, but ethics credits cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in Ohio?

Newly admitted attorneys (until completing NLT), inactive or retired members, and judges.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll receive a notice of noncompliance, incur late fees, and risk suspension if deficiencies aren’t corrected.

What is the New Lawyer Training Program?

A mandatory CLE program for newly admitted attorneys that must be completed by the end of their first full reporting period.

Ohio CLE Resources

• Ohio Supreme Court CLE Commission: https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/attorneys/cle/
• CLE Rules (Gov. Bar Rule X): https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/docs/LegalResources/Rules/govbar/govbar.pdf
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/attorneys/services/
• New Lawyer Training Program: https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/attorneys/cle/nlt/