Washington Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Washington CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	45 credit hours every 3 years
Ethics / Professionalism	6 hours in ethics and professional responsibility per 3-year cycle
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	No cap if the program is accredited by the WSBA
Compliance Period	3-year cycle based on attorney’s admission year
Reporting Deadline	February 1 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 WSBA MyCLE Portal

Overview

Washington attorneys must complete 45 CLE credit hours every 3 years, including 6 hours in ethics and professional responsibility. The compliance period is based on the attorney’s year of admission, and all CLE credits must be reported by February 1 following the close of the reporting period through the WSBA MyCLE Portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 45 CLE hours required every 3 years
• Of those, 6 must be in ethics and professional responsibility
• The remaining 39 hours may be in general practice, law, or professionalism topics
• CLE can be completed through accredited live, webcast, or on-demand programs with no cap on online hours
• Attorneys may earn additional credit for teaching, writing, or bar-related educational service
• All CLE courses must be accredited by the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)

Compliance Period

• CLE compliance runs on a 3-year cycle based on admission year:
  • Attorneys admitted in 2022 report in 2025, those admitted in 2023 report in 2026, etc.
• All credits must be earned by December 31 of the reporting year
• Reporting is due by February 1 of the following year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys report CLE compliance through the WSBA MyCLE Portal
• CLE providers also report attendance directly to the WSBA, but attorneys must verify accuracy
• The WSBA sends compliance reminders before each reporting deadline
• Failure to complete or report CLE by February 1 may result in a late fee or administrative action

Carryover Rules

• Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next 3-year reporting cycle
• Ethics credits cannot carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt for the remainder of the calendar year of admission and must complete the New Lawyer Education (NLE) Program within their first reporting period
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must make up missed CLE hours from prior periods
• Hardship waivers or extensions may be granted for illness, military service, or extenuating circumstances

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE activities must be accredited by the Washington State Bar Association
• Out-of-state programs accredited by another MCLE jurisdiction may qualify for Washington credit upon submission for approval
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing and publishing legal materials
  • Participation in bar association or legal education committees
• 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 $50 late fee applies for reporting after February 1
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the Washington Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, payment of fees, and submission of proof of compliance

How to Report CLE in Washington

1. Complete 45 CLE hours, including 6 in ethics, by December 31 of your reporting year
2. Log in to the WSBA MyCLE Portal
3. Review your transcript and confirm all credits are listed correctly
4. Submit your certification of compliance by February 1
5. Retain CLE certificates and documentation for 3 years

Washington CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Washington?

45 hours every 3 years, including 6 in ethics and professional responsibility.

Can I complete CLE online?

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

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 Washington?

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

What is the New Lawyer Education (NLE) requirement?

A required educational program for new attorneys that must be completed within the first reporting cycle.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll incur a late fee and risk administrative suspension if deficiencies aren’t cured.

Washington CLE Resources

• Washington State Bar Association MCLE: https://www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/mcle
• CLE Rules (APR 11): https://www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/rules-of-professional-conduct
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://mywsba.org/
• New Lawyer Education Program: https://www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/mcle/new-lawyer-education