Ohio CLE Requirements

Everything you need to know to stay in compliance


MCLE State

Overview

Required Ohio CLE Credits:

Total credit hours: 24.00 credit hours every 2 years.

Effective 1/1/2023, the Supreme Court of Ohio has permanently removed the CLE self-study cap for attorneys. All credit hours may be completed through live, live interactive, or self-study programs.

Ohio CLE Reporting Deadlines:

Deadline to Complete CLEs: December 31

Reporting Deadline: December 31

Reporting Period: 2 years


Common Questions About Ohio Continuing Legal Education Rules and Regulations

General Ohio Continuing Legal Education Credit Requirements

How many CLE credits do you need in Ohio?

Active status attorneys in Ohio must complete 24.00 CLE credits every 2 years to maintain good standing with the Ohio State Bar.

When is the Ohio CLE reporting deadline?

Ohio attorneys must complete all 24.00 required credits by December 31 in their reporting year.

How long is the Ohio CLE reporting period, and when does mine end?

The compliance period is 2 years and ends on December 31.

There are 2 reporting groups:

  • If your last name ends in A-L, you must complete your CLE requirement by the end of each odd-numbered year.
  • If your last name ends in M-Z, you must complete your CLE requirement by the end of each even-numbered year.

You are permanently assigned to your reporting group based on your last name at the time you were admitted to the bar.

How do I report my Ohio CLE credits?

CLE program sponsors will report your attendance to the Ohio Commission on CLE. You may check your transcript online on the Attorney Services Portal.

How many Ohio CLE credits can I carry over?

Ohio attorneys can carry over 12.00 CLE credits for one compliance year. Professional conduct credits carry over as general credits.

How many CLE credits can I complete with self-study courses?

Attorneys in Ohio can complete all 12.00 CLE credits with self-study programs.*

*Effective 1/1/2023, the Supreme Court of Ohio has permanently removed the CLE self-study cap for attorneys.

What are the specialty credit requirements in Ohio?

Ohio attorneys must complete 2.50 CLE credits in ethics/professionalism in each compliance period. These credits may include topics such as legal ethics, professionalism, substance abuse, and access to justice.

Is in-program attendance verification required to receive Ohio CLE credit?

Yes. In-program attendance verification is required.

Additional CLE resources for Ohio Attorneys

Are you newly admitted to the Ohio State Bar? Here’s what you need to know:

What are the Ohio CLE requirements for newly admitted attorneys?

Attorneys admitted by examination are exempt from regular CLE requirements for their first biennial compliance period. However, attorneys admitted by examination in Ohio must complete a 12-hour New Lawyers Training Program (NLTP) during that time.

Can I carry over credits in excess of the 12 credits completed for the New Lawyers Training Program?

Yes. If you complete more than the 12.00 credits required for the NLTP, you may carry over up to 12.00 credits to the next compliance period.

When does my first reporting period end?

You will be permanently assigned to a compliance group when you are admitted to the Ohio State Bar. Your first reporting period ends on December 31 of your reporting year.

If your last name ends in A-L, you must complete your CLE requirement by December 31 of each odd-numbered year.

If your last name ends in M-Z, you must complete your CLE requirement by December 31 of each even-numbered year.

If you are admitted during the first year of your biennial period, you must complete your CLE requirements by the end of your first biennial period. If you are admitted during the second year of your first biennial period, you must complete your CLE requirements by the end of your second full biennial period.

For example, if you are admitted in 2022 and your last name ends in A-L, you must complete your NLTP by December 31, 2023. If you are admitted in 2022 and your last name ends in M-Z, you must complete your NLTP by December 31, 2024.

Are there any special credit requirements for new attorneys in Ohio?

Yes. Newly admitted attorneys in Ohio must complete a 12-hour New Lawyers Training Program accredited by the Commission on Continuing Legal Education. The instruction must be completed through live courses, which may include in-person, live webcasts, or live interactive webinars. You must complete the NLTP by the end of your first 2-year compliance period.

Three of the 12 hours must include 1 hour each on professionalism, law office management and client fund management. The remaining 9 hours must include one or more substantive law topics that focus on handling legal matters in specific practice areas.

The NLTP satisfies your CLE requirements for your first compliance period. Nine of the 12 hours required by the NLTP may be obtained from the Supreme Court of Ohio's Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program.

The NLTP only applies to Ohio attorneys admitted by examination, UBE transfer, and attorneys registered for corporate counsel status. New attorneys admitted on motion are subject to the regular CLE requirements, but the number of credits required may be prorated depending on your date of admission.

Who is considered a OH Newly Admitted Attorney?

An attorney within their first compliance period is considered a Newly Admitted Attorney in Ohio.

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