Jan. 17, 2018 – If you were admitted to practice law in an odd-numbered year, the continuing legal education (CLE) reporting deadline is just two-weeks away – Feb. 1.
Lawyers admitted to practice law in Wisconsin must obtain at least 30 continuing legal education (CLE) credits every two years. Lawyers admitted to practice in an odd-numbered year who wish to maintain an active law license in Wisconsin must complete the CLE credits by Jan. 31, 2018, and file their CLE report to the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) no later than Feb. 1, 2018. Failing to do so will result in late fees and other potential penalties.
Don’t Panic – There’s Still Time to Earn CLE Credits
Still looking for CLE credits? Check out the State Bar of Wisconsin’s calendar of CLE events for upcoming programs.
While the reporting period for those admitted to practice law in odd-numbered years up to 2015 officially ended Dec. 31, 2017, the rules allow an additional month to obtain and report CLE activity for the reporting period.
Admitted in 2017?
If you were admitted to practice law in Wisconsin this year (2017), you are exempt from CLE attendance and reporting requirements for the current reporting period (Jan. 1, 2016 - Dec. 31, 2017). If you earned credits in 2017, you can carry over up to 15 credits to your next reporting period.
File Your CLE Report with Board of Bar Examiners
The BBE encourages attorneys to electronically file their CLE reports (see the instructions for filing a CLE report). Attorneys can find all forms and related information on the BBE’s CLE reporting page.
Attorneys should note that myCLE Tracker on WisBar.org allows them to track their CLE attendance, but the tracker does not report the CLE to the BBE.
Need More Information?
For a guide to earning and reporting your CLE credits, see “The Wisconsin Lawyer's Guide to Earning, Tracking, and Reporting CLE,” in the October 2017 issue of Wisconsin Lawyer magazine.
Questions about CLE Requirements or Reporting?
Contact the Board of Bar Examiners by email or by phone at (608) 266-9760.
