Tennessee Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Tennessee CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	15 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	3 hours required each year
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 8 hours may be earned through on-demand or self-study
Compliance Period	January 1 – December 31 each year
Reporting Deadline	March 31 of the following year
Carryover Credit	Up to 15 general 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 Tennessee CLE online portal

Overview

Tennessee attorneys must complete 15 CLE credit hours each year, including 3 hours in ethics or professionalism. The compliance year runs from January 1 through December 31, and attorneys must report completion by March 31 of the following year through the Tennessee CLE online portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 15 total CLE hours required annually
• Of those, at least 3 hours must be in ethics or professionalism
• Up to 8 hours per year may be earned through accredited on-demand or self-study courses
• The remaining hours must be earned through live or interactive programs
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for teaching, writing, or participating in bar association educational activities
• Courses must be accredited by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education

Compliance Period

• The CLE compliance period runs annually from January 1 to December 31
• All required credits must be completed by December 31
• Attorneys must certify compliance by March 31 of the following year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the Tennessee CLE online portal
• CLE providers may also report attendance, but attorneys are responsible for confirming transcript accuracy
• The Tennessee CLE Commission sends compliance reminders early each year
• Late reporting incurs a $100 penalty and may lead to noncompliance status

Carryover Rules

• Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next reporting year
• Ethics or professionalism credits cannot carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE for the remainder of the calendar year in which they are admitted
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must complete CLE for any missed period
• Hardship waivers or extensions may be granted for illness, military service, or other good cause

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE activities must be accredited by the Tennessee Commission on CLE
• Out-of-state CLE programs accredited by another jurisdiction may qualify upon submission for approval
• Attorneys may also earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing and publishing legal materials
  • Participation in bar-related 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
• Late reporting results in a $100 penalty and additional administrative fees
• Continued noncompliance may lead to administrative suspension by the Tennessee Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, payment of fees, and proof of compliance

How to Report CLE in Tennessee

1. Complete 15 CLE hours, including 3 ethics hours, by December 31
2. Log in to the Tennessee CLE online portal
3. Verify your CLE transcript and confirm all attendance records
4. Submit your compliance certification by March 31
5. Retain all CLE documentation for at least 3 years

Tennessee CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Tennessee?

15 hours annually, including 3 in ethics or professionalism.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 8 hours per year may be earned through accredited on-demand or self-study courses.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

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

Who is exempt from CLE in Tennessee?

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, incur penalties, and risk suspension if deficiencies aren’t cured.

Can teaching or writing count toward CLE?

Yes. Teaching and writing for accredited programs can qualify for CLE credit with approval.

Tennessee CLE Resources

• Tennessee CLE Commission: https://www.cletn.com/
• CLE Rules (Rule 21, Tenn. Sup. Ct. R.): https://www.tncourts.gov/rules/supreme-court/21
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.cletn.com/attorneys/login
• CLE FAQs: https://www.cletn.com/attorneys/faq