West Virginia Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

West Virginia CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	24 credit hours every 2 years
Ethics / Professionalism	3 hours required per reporting period
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 12 hours per 2-year cycle may be earned through online or pre-recorded courses
Compliance Period	2-year cycle (July 1 – June 30)
Reporting Deadline	July 31 following the end of the reporting period
Carryover Credit	Up to 6 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 West Virginia State Bar Member Portal

Overview

West Virginia attorneys must complete 24 CLE credit hours every 2 years, including 3 hours in ethics or law office management. The reporting period runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following even-numbered year, and attorneys must report completion by July 31 through the West Virginia State Bar MCLE online portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 24 CLE hours required every 2 years
• Of those, 3 hours must be in ethics, professionalism, or law office management
• Up to 12 hours may be earned through accredited on-demand or pre-recorded programs
• The remaining 12 hours must come from live or interactive CLE activities
• Attorneys may also earn credit for teaching, writing, or participating in bar association educational activities
• All CLE programs must be accredited by the West Virginia State Bar MCLE Commission

Compliance Period

• CLE compliance runs from July 1 of even-numbered years to June 30 of the next even-numbered year
• Attorneys must complete all required hours by June 30
• Reports must be submitted by July 31 of the reporting year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE compliance through the West Virginia State Bar Member Portal
• CLE providers often report attendance, but attorneys are responsible for verifying accuracy
• The MCLE Commission issues compliance reminders before the reporting deadline
• A $50 late fee applies for CLE completed or reported after July 31

Carryover Rules

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

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys must complete the Bridge the Gap Program within 24 months of admission; completion satisfies the first reporting period’s CLE requirements
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must complete CLE for any missed period
• Waivers or extensions may be granted for good cause such as illness, hardship, or military service

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the West Virginia State Bar MCLE Commission
• Out-of-state CLE courses 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
  • Participating in bar-related or public legal education 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 $50 late fee applies for reports or completion after July 31
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, payment of fees, and certification of compliance

How to Report CLE in West Virginia

1. Complete 24 CLE hours, including 3 in ethics, by June 30 of your reporting period
2. Log in to the West Virginia State Bar Member Portal
3. Verify your CLE transcript and confirm all credits are properly listed
4. Submit your compliance certification by July 31
5. Retain attendance certificates and documentation for 3 years

West Virginia CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in West Virginia?

24 hours every 2 years, including 3 in ethics, professionalism, or law office management.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 12 hours per 2-year cycle may be earned through online or pre-recorded programs.

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 West Virginia?

Newly admitted attorneys (first cycle if they complete Bridge the Gap), inactive or retired members, and judges.

What is the Bridge the Gap Program?

A required educational program for new attorneys that fulfills their CLE requirement for the first reporting cycle.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll incur late fees and risk administrative suspension if not corrected.

West Virginia CLE Resources

• West Virginia State Bar MCLE: https://www.wvbar.org/members/cle/
• CLE Rules (Rule 6.02): https://www.wvbar.org/members/cle/rules/
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.mywvbar.org/members/login
• Bridge the Gap Program Info: https://www.wvbar.org/members/bridge-the-gap/