Georgia Adopts New CLE Rules—Here’s What Changed

Starting January 1, 2026, Georgia attorneys will face a significant shift in continuing legal education (CLE) requirements. Following approval by the Supreme Court of Georgia on November 10, 2025, the rules transition from an annual to a biennial reporting cycle, aiming to reduce administrative burdens while keeping professional standards high. Proposed by the State Bar Board of Governors in June 2024, the updates introduce more flexible and meaningful compliance, including revised credit requirements in ethics and professionalism. Active attorneys must complete their 2025 CLE obligations by March 31, 2026, before moving into the new system—making it essential for lawyers to understand these changes and plan CLE activities strategically for the coming years.

From Annual to Biennial: How the Cycle Changes

Starting January 1, 2026, Georgia attorneys will follow a biennial CLE compliance cycle. The first period runs from 2026–2027 and requires 18 total CLE hours, including 3 ethics hours and 2 professionalism hours, replacing the previous 12-hour annual requirement (with 1 ethics, 1 professionalism, and 3 trial hours for qualifying litigators).

Attorneys must certify via their online CLE transcript that completed hours relate to their practice area or benefit clients. The 2025 annual requirements remain in effect until March 31, 2026, ensuring a smooth transition.

New Credit Requirements

During each two-year cycle, non‑exempt active members must now complete:

18 CLE hours total
At least 3 hours in Ethics
At least 2 hours in Professionalism

Eliminated Trial Hours Burden

Starting January 1, 2026, trial experience hours are no longer required for litigators under Georgia’s CLE rules. Previously, litigators had to complete 3 specialized trial hours annually, which added complexity to compliance.

The change simplifies CLE tracking by focusing all attorneys on general, ethics, and professionalism credits. It also provides greater flexibility in selecting CLE topics that best support practice and client needs while maintaining ethical and professional standards.

Attorneys should review their CLE transcripts and plan professional development accordingly, without worrying about trial-specific hours.

New Exemption for Veterans

Attorneys with 40 years of active State Bar membership are fully exempt from CLE requirements, provided they have no suspensions or disbarments. The exemption applies in the biennial compliance period immediately following the milestone.

This change reduces the 18-hour biennial burden, including ethics and professionalism credits, recognizing the long-term contributions of veteran attorneys while maintaining standards for others. Eligibility can be confirmed via the State Bar’s online CLE transcript.

New Features, Flexibility, and Certifications

Under the new rules, lawyers who complete the 18-hour requirement must certify through their online CLE transcript that the hours earned were in their practice area or, if not, in a practice area that will benefit their practice and clients. If a lawyer earns more CLE hours than required for the compliance period, all excess hours, including Ethics and Professionalism, may be carried over to the next compliance period.

Additionally, the rules continue to allow completion of all CLE credits through approved online or distance-learning programs.

Exemptions—Who Is Not Required to Comply

Under the new rules, certain lawyers are exempt from CLE requirements, including:

Those with inactive membership status
Judges barred by law from “practicing law”
Sitting state or federal elected officials
Members of the Board of Bar Examiners
Lawyers on active U.S. military duty
Lawyers licensed in another state who satisfy CLE requirements there
Attorneys who have been active members for 40 years (without suspension or disbarment)
Individuals with hardship exemptions

What Georgia Lawyers Should Do to Prepare

Complete the 2025 CLE requirement of 12 hours (including 1 Ethics and 1 Professionalism) by March 31, 2026.
Review online CLE transcripts for 2025 progress and correct any inaccuracies by January 31.
Plan the 2026–2027 biennial hours strategically (18 hours total, including 3 Ethics and 2 Professionalism) aligned with practice areas.
Choose accredited courses from providers, taking advantage of webinars and on-demand programs for flexibility.
Check whether exemptions apply, such as the 40-year member exemption.
Regularly consult the State Bar CLE webpage for updates, FAQs, and guidance on self-certification.
Aim to complete CLE early within the two-year window to avoid potential late fees.

Navigating the new CLE rules in Georgia doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the changes—from the shift to a biennial reporting cycle and updated credit requirements to expanded flexibility with online courses and exemptions—attorneys can plan strategically and stay compliant with ease. Early preparation, careful course selection, and regular transcript monitoring will ensure a smooth transition into 2026 and beyond. Staying informed and proactive means meeting CLE obligations efficiently while continuing to grow professionally and serve clients effectively.

Reference: https://www.gabar.org/programs/continuing-legal-education/new-cle-rules/