Vermont Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Vermont CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	24 credit hours every 2 years
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours required each period (ethics or professionalism)
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 12 hours may be earned through non-live (on-demand) courses
Compliance Period	2-year cycle (based on attorney admission or reporting group)
Reporting Deadline	June 30 of the reporting year
Carryover Credit	Up to 6 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 Vermont Judiciary Attorney Portal

Overview

Vermont attorneys must complete 24 CLE credit hours every two years, including 2 hours in ethics or professionalism. The reporting cycle runs on a biennial basis determined by the attorney’s admission or assigned reporting group. Compliance certification is due by June 30 through the Vermont Judiciary Attorney Portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 24 CLE hours required every 2 years
• Of those, 2 hours must be in ethics or professional responsibility
• Up to 12 hours per cycle may be completed through non-live formats such as on-demand or self-study courses
• The remaining 12 hours must be live or interactive programs
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for teaching, writing, or bar-related educational activities
• All CLE programs must be accredited by the Vermont Board of Continuing Legal Education

Compliance Period

• CLE reporting follows a 2-year cycle based on attorney admission or assigned group
• The cycle runs from July 1 of the first year through June 30 of the second year
• Attorneys must certify CLE compliance by June 30 of the reporting year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the Vermont Judiciary Attorney Portal
• Accredited providers also report attendance to the Board
• Attorneys should verify their CLE transcript and ensure all credits are recorded before filing
• A $50 late fee applies for reports submitted after June 30

Carryover Rules

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

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys must complete 15 CLE hours before their first license renewal, including:
  • 6 hours in Vermont-specific mandatory programs (ethics, professionalism, and basic practice)
  • 9 hours in general CLE courses
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must complete any CLE deficiencies before reinstatement
• Waivers or extensions may be granted by the Board for good cause, including hardship or illness

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the Vermont Board of Continuing Legal Education
• Out-of-state CLE courses accredited by another MCLE jurisdiction may qualify upon submission for approval
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing or publishing legal materials
  • Participation in bar or educational programs
• Providers must retain 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 $50 fee and possible deficiency notice
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the Vermont Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, payment of fees, and certification of compliance

How to Report CLE in Vermont

1. Complete 24 CLE hours, including 2 in ethics, by June 30 of your reporting year
2. Log in to the Vermont Judiciary Attorney Portal
3. Verify your CLE transcript and add any missing activities
4. Submit your compliance certification by the deadline
5. Retain attendance records and certificates for 3 years

Vermont CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Vermont?

24 hours every 2 years, including 2 in ethics or professionalism.

Can I complete CLE online?

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

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 Vermont?

Newly admitted attorneys (until their first reporting cycle), inactive or retired members, and judges.

What is the Vermont New Attorney CLE requirement?

New attorneys must complete 15 CLE hours before their first renewal, including 6 in Vermont-specific courses.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll be assessed a late fee and risk suspension if deficiencies aren’t corrected.

Vermont CLE Resources

• Vermont Board of CLE: https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/attorneys/continuing-legal-education
• CLE Rules (Administrative Order No. 41): https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/sites/default/files/documents/A.O.%2041.pdf
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/attorney-portal
• Vermont Bar Association CLE: https://www.vtbar.org/cle/