Puerto Rico Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Puerto Rico CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	24 credit hours every 3 years
Ethics / Professionalism	4 hours required per 3-year period
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited by PEJC)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	No set cap if completed through approved providers
Compliance Period	3-year cycle based on attorney admission or assigned reporting group
Reporting Deadline	December 31 of the third year in the reporting cycle
Carryover Credit	Up to 6 general CLE hours may carry forward to the next cycle
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, retired attorneys, inactive members, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Puerto Rico PEJC online portal

Overview

Puerto Rico attorneys must complete 24 CLE credit hours every 3 years, including 4 hours in ethics or professional responsibility. The compliance period runs on a three-year cycle set by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, and attorneys must certify compliance by December 31 of the final year through the PEJC online reporting system.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 24 CLE hours required every 3 years
• Of those, at least 4 hours must be in ethics, professionalism, or legal responsibility
• Remaining hours may be in general law or practice-specific areas
• CLE can be completed through live attendance, webinars, or on-demand programs accredited by PEJC
• Credit may also be earned through teaching, research, or publication of legal materials

Compliance Period

• The CLE compliance cycle spans 3 years based on the attorney’s admission year or assigned group
• Attorneys must complete all CLE by December 31 of the final year of the cycle
• Certification of compliance must be submitted to PEJC by the same date

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the PEJC online portal
• Providers may also report attendance, but attorneys are responsible for confirming their records
• The PEJC issues reminders before the close of each compliance period
• Failure to report or complete CLE by the deadline results in a deficiency notice

Carryover Rules

• Up to 6 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next reporting period
• Ethics credits cannot carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE requirements for the first reporting year following admission
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys may request waivers or extensions for hardship, illness, or extenuating circumstances
• CLE requirements may be modified for attorneys over age 75 or with certified disabilities

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the Programa de Educación Jurídica Continua (PEJC)
• Out-of-state CLE courses accredited by another jurisdiction may be approved upon submission to PEJC
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching or lecturing at accredited CLE or law school programs
  • Publishing legal research or scholarly work
  • Participation in bar association or educational committee activities
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 4 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE receive a Notice of Noncompliance from PEJC
• A 90-day grace period may be granted to cure deficiencies
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico
• Reinstatement requires proof of compliance, payment of fees, and formal notification to PEJC

How to Report CLE in Puerto Rico

1. Complete 24 CLE hours, including 4 in ethics, by December 31 of your reporting cycle
2. Log in to the PEJC online reporting system
3. Verify your CLE transcript and confirm that all activities are recorded
4. Submit your certification of compliance by the deadline
5. Retain documentation of all CLE activities for audit purposes

Puerto Rico CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Puerto Rico?

24 hours every 3 years, including 4 hours in ethics or professional responsibility.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Accredited on-demand and webinar programs approved by PEJC are accepted.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 6 general hours may carry forward, but ethics credits cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in Puerto Rico?

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

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll receive a notice of noncompliance and may be suspended if deficiencies aren’t cured.

Are out-of-state CLE programs accepted?

Yes, but only if approved by the PEJC or presented by an approved provider.

Puerto Rico CLE Resources

• Programa de Educación Jurídica Continua (PEJC): https://poderjudicial.pr/pejc/
• CLE Rules (Reglamento del PEJC): https://poderjudicial.pr/reglamentos/
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://pejc.ramajudicial.pr/
• PEJC FAQs: https://poderjudicial.pr/pejc/preguntas-frecuentes/