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Remaining informed about changes in Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements is crucial for legal professionals to uphold their licenses and remain relevant in the ever-evolving field of law. Several states have recently implemented updates to their CLE regulations, aiming to enhance attorney competence, professionalism, and ethical standards. Lawline has compiled a running list of all the CLE rule changes going into effect in 2026 and beyond. We will continue to update this article as new changes are announced.
Without further ado, here's a breakdown of the most recent 2026 changes by state:
Georgia
When? Starting January 1, 2026.
What Changed? Georgia has moved from an annual reporting cycle to biennially. Details listed below:
18 Credit Hours Biennially
- 3 hours in Ethics
- 2 hours in Professionalism
Initial compliance period for ALL will be January 1, 2026- December 31, 2027.
18 hours may be carried over, including 3 in ethics and 2 in professionalism.
Trial attorneys no longer need trial skills courses.
For more information, please visit our Georgia CLE Requirements page.
Utah
When? July 1, 2026.
What Changed? Utah attorneys will be able to carry over up to 6 excess CLE credits into their next reporting cycle, not including Ethics or Professionalism and Civility hours. For the current cycle that ends on June 30, 2026, there is no carry over credits allowed.
For more information, please visit our Utah CLE Requirements page.
Wisconsin
When? Starting January 1, 2026.
What Changed? Wisconsin to ALLOW up to 6 hours of cultural competency and reduction of bias to count as credit.
- It will not be a requirement, but will allow those WI attorneys who take courses in the subject to get CLE credit for it with the elimination of DEI programs.
For more information, please visit our Wisconsin CLE Requirements page.
State CLE Deadlines
FEBRUARY 1:
New Mexico
FEBRUARY 28:
North Carolina, South Carolina
MARCH 29:
California (Group 3)
MARCH 31:
Montana
APRIL 30:
Oregon, Pennsylvania (Group 1)
MAY 31:
New Hampshire
JUNE 30:
Arizona, Arkansas*, Illinois*, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah*, Vermont, West Virginia*
JULY 31:
Mississippi
AUGUST 31:
Pennsylvania (Group 2)
OCTOBER 31:
Virginia
DECEMBER 31:
Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (Group 3), Tennessee, US Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Staying informed about these changes is essential for legal professionals to ensure compliance with their state's CLE requirements. For more detailed information, visit Lawline’s CLE requirements page. Stay updated, stay compliant, and stay ahead in your legal career!
