Wisconsin Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Wisconsin CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	30 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 15 hours may be earned through on-demand or repeated programs
Compliance Period	2-year cycle based on attorney’s admission or assigned group
Reporting Deadline	January 31 following the end of the reporting period
Carryover Credit	Up to 15 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 Wisconsin Court System CLE Portal

Overview

Wisconsin attorneys must complete 30 CLE credit hours every two years, including 3 hours in legal ethics or professional responsibility. The compliance cycle is based on the attorney’s admission or assigned group, and attorneys must report completion by January 31 of the year following the cycle using the Wisconsin Court System CLE online reporting system.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 30 CLE hours required every 2 years
• Of those, 3 must be in legal ethics or professional responsibility
• Up to 15 hours per reporting period may be completed through on-demand or repeated programs
• The remaining 15 hours must come from live or interactive CLE courses
• Attorneys may also earn credit for teaching, writing, or serving on approved legal education programs
• All CLE programs must be accredited by the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners (BBE)

Compliance Period

• The CLE compliance cycle runs on a 2-year basis determined by the attorney’s admission or reporting group:
  • Group 1: Report in even-numbered years
  • Group 2: Report in odd-numbered years
• All CLE must be completed by December 31 of the reporting year
• Reporting must be submitted by January 31 of the following year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE compliance through the Wisconsin Court System CLE Portal
• CLE providers also report attendance, but attorneys are responsible for ensuring accuracy
• A $100 late filing fee applies for reports submitted after January 31
• Failure to report or complete CLE may result in administrative suspension

Carryover Rules

• Up to 15 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 are exempt from CLE requirements for the first full reporting period after admission
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must complete any outstanding CLE requirements
• Hardship extensions or waivers may be granted by the BBE for good cause

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners
• Out-of-state CLE courses accredited by another jurisdiction may be submitted for Wisconsin approval
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing or publishing legal materials
  • Bar association or committee educational programs
• 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 filing fee applies for reporting after January 31
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the Wisconsin Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, payment of fees, and certification of compliance

How to Report CLE in Wisconsin

1. Complete 30 CLE hours, including 3 in ethics, by December 31 of your reporting year
2. Log in to the Wisconsin Court System CLE Portal
3. Review your CLE transcript and confirm all courses are properly listed
4. Submit your certification of compliance by January 31
5. Retain attendance records and course certificates for 3 years

Wisconsin CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Wisconsin?

30 hours every 2 years, including 3 in ethics or professional responsibility.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 15 hours per cycle may be earned through accredited on-demand 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 Wisconsin?

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

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.

Can teaching or writing count toward CLE?

Yes. Teaching or publishing approved legal materials may qualify for CLE credit with BBE approval.

Wisconsin CLE Resources

• Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners: https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/offices/bbe.htm
• CLE Rules (SCR 31): https://www.wicourts.gov/supreme/sc_rules.jsp
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.wicourts.gov/services/attorney/cle.htm
• CLE FAQs: https://www.wicourts.gov/services/attorney/faq.htm