Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) refers to educational programs designed for attorneys who have earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and are licensed to practice law. CLE provides ongoing professional education to ensure attorneys remain current, competent, and in compliance with state bar requirements.
CLE credit is available exclusively to attorneys who are licensed and admitted to practice law by a state supreme court (such as the Utah Supreme Court) and who maintain active status with their state bar. Individuals who do not hold a JD or who are not licensed to practice law are not eligible to receive CLE credit.
Most states require licensed attorneys to complete a specified number of CLE credit hours during each reporting period. These requirements are established to:
- Maintain professional competence
- Ensure familiarity with changes in the law
- Promote ethical standards and professionalism
- Support continued development of legal skills
Failure to complete required CLE credits may impact an attorney’s ability to maintain active licensure.
CLE credits are awarded for participation in approved educational activities that are directly related to the practice of law. These may include:
- Live seminars and conferences
- Webinars and online programs
- Legal skills training
- Ethics and professional responsibility courses
In Utah, one CLE credit hour generally equals 60 minutes of qualifying instruction.

S.J. Quinney College of Law