Virginia Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Virginia CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	12 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours required each year
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 8 hours per year may be earned through on-demand or pre-recorded programs
Compliance Period	November 1 – October 31 each year
Reporting Deadline	December 15 each year
Carryover Credit	Up to 12 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 Virginia State Bar MCLE Portal

Overview

Virginia attorneys must complete 12 CLE credit hours each year, including 2 hours in ethics or professionalism. The CLE compliance year runs from November 1 through October 31, and attorneys must report compliance by December 15 of the same year using the Virginia State Bar MCLE Portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 12 total CLE hours required annually
• Of those, 2 must be in ethics or professionalism
• Up to 8 hours per year may be completed through accredited on-demand or pre-recorded programs
• The remaining 4 hours must be live or synchronous learning
• Attorneys may also earn credit for teaching, writing, or serving as CLE faculty
• All CLE courses must be accredited by the Virginia State Bar MCLE Board

Compliance Period

• The CLE year runs from November 1 through October 31
• Attorneys must complete all required CLE by October 31
• Reporting and certification are due by December 15

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the Virginia State Bar MCLE Portal
• CLE sponsors also report attendance directly to the MCLE Board
• Attorneys are responsible for confirming that their CLE transcript is accurate before December 15
• A $100 late filing fee applies for reports submitted after the deadline

Carryover Rules

• Up to 12 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next compliance year
• Ethics or professionalism credits cannot carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE requirements for the reporting year in which they are admitted but must complete the Mandatory Professionalism Course within 12 months of admission
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must make up any missed CLE hours from prior periods
• Hardship extensions or waivers may be granted for good cause

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the Virginia State Bar MCLE Board
• Out-of-state CLE courses accredited by another jurisdiction may be approved for Virginia credit upon submission
• Attorneys may also earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing and publishing legal materials
  • Participation in bar association educational activities
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A $100 late fee applies for filings after December 15
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the Supreme Court of Virginia
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, payment of fees, and proof of compliance

How to Report CLE in Virginia

1. Complete 12 CLE hours, including 2 ethics hours, by October 31
2. Log into the Virginia State Bar MCLE Portal
3. Verify your CLE transcript and confirm all courses are listed
4. Submit your compliance certification by December 15
5. Retain attendance and completion certificates for 3 years

Virginia CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Virginia?

12 hours annually, including 2 in ethics or professionalism.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 8 hours per year may be completed through on-demand or pre-recorded programs.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 12 general hours may carry forward, but ethics hours cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in Virginia?

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

What is the Mandatory Professionalism Course?

A required 6-hour course for newly admitted attorneys that must be completed within 12 months of admission.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll incur a $100 late fee and risk suspension if deficiencies aren’t corrected.

Virginia CLE Resources

• Virginia State Bar MCLE Board: https://www.vsb.org/site/members/mcle
• CLE Rules (Rule 17): https://www.vsb.org/site/members/mcle-regulations
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://member.vsb.org/vsbportal/
• Mandatory Professionalism Course Info: https://www.vsb.org/site/members/new-attorneys