South Dakota Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

South Dakota CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	30 credit hours every 3 years
Ethics / Professionalism	6 hours required per 3-year period
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	No cap if the program is accredited by the CLE Commission
Compliance Period	3-year cycle based on attorney admission or assigned group
Reporting Deadline	January 31 following the end of the reporting period
Carryover Credit	Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward; ethics may not
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the South Dakota Unified Judicial System CLE Portal

Overview

South Dakota attorneys must complete 30 CLE credit hours every 3 years, including 6 hours in ethics or professionalism. The CLE cycle is determined by the attorney’s admission year or assigned reporting group, and attorneys must report completion by January 31 of the year following their reporting period using the South Dakota CLE online reporting system.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 30 total CLE hours required every 3 years
• Of those, at least 6 hours must be in ethics or professional responsibility
• There is no cap on online, on-demand, or self-study CLE as long as the program is accredited
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit through teaching, writing, or participation in approved educational activities
• All CLE programs must be approved by the South Dakota CLE Commission

Compliance Period

• CLE compliance is based on a 3-year reporting cycle that begins January 1 and ends December 31 of the third year
• Attorneys must complete all CLE by the end of their cycle
• Reports must be submitted by January 31 of the following year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System CLE Portal
• CLE sponsors may also report attendance directly to the Commission
• Attorneys are responsible for verifying that all CLE credits are properly recorded
• Failure to report or complete CLE results in a notice of noncompliance

Carryover Rules

• Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward to the next reporting cycle
• Ethics or professional responsibility credits cannot carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE requirements for the first full calendar year following admission
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must complete any outstanding CLE deficiencies
• Hardship waivers or extensions may be granted for illness, military service, or other extenuating circumstances

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the South Dakota Commission on Continuing Legal Education
• Out-of-state CLE programs accredited in another jurisdiction may be submitted for approval
• Attorneys can earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing or publishing legal materials
  • Participating in bar association educational programs
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 4 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• Failure to cure deficiencies within the specified time results in administrative suspension
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, payment of fees, and certification of compliance

How to Report CLE in South Dakota

1. Complete 30 CLE hours, including 6 ethics hours, within your 3-year cycle
2. Log into the South Dakota CLE Reporting Portal
3. Verify your transcript and confirm all courses are listed
4. Submit your compliance certification by January 31
5. Retain certificates and attendance records for audit

South Dakota CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in South Dakota?

30 hours every 3 years, including 6 in ethics or professionalism.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. There is no cap on accredited online or on-demand CLE.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 15 general hours may carry forward, but ethics hours cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in South Dakota?

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

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You may receive a notice of noncompliance and risk suspension if deficiencies are not corrected.

Can teaching or writing count for CLE?

Yes. Teaching or authoring legal works can qualify for CLE credit with prior approval.

South Dakota CLE Resources

• South Dakota CLE Commission: https://ujs.sd.gov/CLE/
• CLE Rules (SDCL 16-23): https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://ujs.sd.gov/CLE/Login.aspx
• CLE FAQs: https://ujs.sd.gov/CLE/FAQ.aspx