Becoming a licensed attorney is a major professional milestone that follows years of formal education and months of intensive bar exam preparation. However, admission to the bar also marks the beginning of a new and ongoing professional obligation: continuing legal education (CLE).
If you are a newly admitted lawyer, you may be generally aware of CLE requirements but uncertain about how they apply to you. This guide outlines the essentials every new attorney should understand about CLE.
What is Continuing Legal Education (CLE)?
Continuing legal education refers to accredited professional training that attorneys complete after being admitted to the bar. Although the American Bar Association (ABA) has established a model CLE rule with minimum requirements for continuing education, CLE requirements are set and enforced at the state level—meaning rules vary by jurisdiction.
CLE courses are designed to keep attorneys current, competent, and compliant. They typically focus on specific practice areas, emerging legal issues, procedural updates, and significant changes in the law. Courses are available on virtually every legal topic and are offered in a variety of formats.
Many large law firms provide in-house CLE programs at no cost to their attorneys. Most practitioners, however, obtain CLE credits through:
- State and local bar association programs
- Accredited legal conferences and seminars
- Reputable online CLE providers
Selecting an accredited provider is essential to ensure your credits are accepted by your licensing jurisdiction. BARBRI Professional Development CLE courses are widely recognized for being practical, expertly curated, and accredited in most states to support the career growth and professional goals of attorneys.
Oversight of CLE requirements generally rests with a state’s highest court, which often delegates administration to a CLE commission or bar association. These entities are your primary points of contact for compliance questions, reporting procedures, and accreditation standards.
General CLE Requirements
While a small number of jurisdictions do not mandate CLE, most states require attorneys to complete a minimum number of CLE credits within a defined reporting period. Requirements vary, but many states also impose subject-matter minimums, such as:
- Legal ethics or professional responsibility
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Substance abuse or mental health awareness
Most jurisdictions permit attorneys to earn at least some CLE credits online. In recent years, states have increasingly expanded online and on-demand CLE options. Some jurisdictions allow all credits to be completed remotely, while others still require a portion to be earned through live or in‑person programming.
Because rules can change, you should always confirm current requirements directly with your state’s CLE authority.
Learn more about fulfilling your CLE requirements with BARBRI.
Bridge-the-Gap CLE for New Lawyers
While you may not be required to complete a full slate of CLE credits in your first year or two of practice, several jurisdictions require newly admitted attorneys to complete a “bridge-the-gap" continuing legal education program. Georgia and Pennsylvania are two states that mandate newly admitted attorneys complete a bridge-the-gap course. Other states, including New York and Mississippi, offer optional bridge-the-gap programs for CLE credit.
These programs are designed to address practical skills and professional competencies that are often not emphasized in law school. Typically, the bridge-the-gap CLE courses are a few hours long and cover topics such as:
- Law office management and professionalism
- Client communication and billing practices
- Courtroom procedures and practice readiness
- Ethical decision-making in real-world scenarios
The purpose is to bridge the gap between academic legal education and day-to-day law practice, helping new attorneys build a solid foundation for long-term success.
Meet Your CLE Requirements with BARBRI
If you’re a newly minted attorney, we wish you well as you begin your career. And once you’re ready to start fulfilling your CLE requirements, BARBRI offers a comprehensive library of CLE courses and webinars for the topics you need to stay current and compliant.
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