Texas Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Texas CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	15 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	3 hours required each year (including 1 in legal ethics)
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	No cap if courses are accredited by the Texas Bar
Compliance Period	12-month cycle based on attorney birth month
Reporting Deadline	Last day of the attorney’s birth month each year
Carryover Credit	Up to 15 hours may carry forward (including up to 3 ethics hours)
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly licensed attorneys, inactive members, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the State Bar of Texas MCLE Portal

Overview

Texas attorneys must complete 15 CLE credit hours each year, including 3 hours in ethics and professionalism. The compliance year begins on the first day of the attorney’s birth month and ends one year later, with the reporting deadline falling on the last day of the birth month. Attorneys report compliance through the State Bar of Texas MCLE Portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 15 total CLE hours required annually
• Of those, 3 hours must be in ethics, professionalism, or legal ethics topics
• All 15 hours may be earned through accredited on-demand or online programs—no live requirement
• Credit may also be earned through teaching, writing, or bar-related educational activities
• All CLE must be accredited by the State Bar of Texas MCLE Department

Compliance Period

• CLE compliance runs for 12 months, starting on the first day of the attorney’s birth month
• Attorneys must complete required CLE by the last day of their birth month each year
• The State Bar sends reminders 60 days before the end of the compliance period

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the Texas Bar MCLE Portal
• CLE providers often report attendance, but attorneys must ensure their transcript is accurate
• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE on time are subject to noncompliance fees
• Reports must be submitted by the last day of the attorney’s birth month

Carryover Rules

• Up to 15 CLE hours may carry forward into the next compliance year
• Up to 3 ethics or professionalism hours may also carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly licensed attorneys must complete the Texas Bar’s New Lawyer Education Program (including ethics and law practice management) within 12 months of licensure
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Hardship waivers or extensions may be granted for good cause by the MCLE Committee

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the State Bar of Texas MCLE Department
• Out-of-state programs accredited in another MCLE jurisdiction may be submitted for Texas credit
• Attorneys can also earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing and publishing legal works
  • Participating in bar-related educational or service programs
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 4 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE by their deadline receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A $100 late reporting fee applies if deficiencies are cured within 60 days
• Continued noncompliance results in administrative suspension by the Supreme Court of Texas
• Reinstatement requires proof of CLE completion, payment of fees, and a compliance affidavit

How to Report CLE in Texas

1. Complete 15 CLE hours, including 3 ethics hours, by your compliance deadline
2. Log in to the Texas Bar MCLE Portal
3. Verify your CLE transcript and confirm attendance records
4. Submit your certification of compliance by the end of your birth month
5. Retain certificates and supporting documentation for audit

Texas CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Texas?

15 hours annually, including 3 hours in ethics and professionalism.

Can I complete CLE online?

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

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 15 hours may carry forward, including up to 3 ethics hours.

Who is exempt from CLE in Texas?

Newly licensed attorneys (for the first year), inactive or retired members, and judges.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll be charged late fees and risk suspension if deficiencies are not corrected within the grace period.

What is the New Lawyer Education Program?

A required program for new attorneys covering ethics, professionalism, and law practice management, to be completed within 12 months of licensure.

Texas CLE Resources

• State Bar of Texas MCLE Department: https://www.texasbar.com/mcle
• CLE Rules (Article XII): https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=MCLE_Home
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.texasbar.com/MCLE/MyRecord.asp
• New Lawyer Education Info: https://www.texasbar.com/Content/NavigationMenu/ForLawyers/MCLE/