IA CLE | Iowa State CLE

Understanding IA CLE Requirements for Attorneys: A Complete Guide

Attorneys practicing in Iowa must maintain their professional competence, ethical integrity, and awareness of evolving legal standards through IA CLE—Iowa’s Continuing Legal Education program. This system ensures that all licensed attorneys remain knowledgeable, ethical, and effective in their practice. Understanding IA CLE requirements is vital for maintaining an active license and avoiding compliance penalties.

IA CLE Requirements for Iowa Attorneys
The Iowa Supreme Court’s Commission on Continuing Legal Education oversees the IA CLE program. All active attorneys in Iowa are required to complete 15 credit hours of IA CLE each year, ensuring they continue to meet professional standards and remain informed about developments in the law.
The IA CLE requirements include:
• 1 hour of Ethics
• 1 hour of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) or Attorney Wellness (effective for certain reporting periods)
• 13 hours of General Credit
This structure ensures attorneys strengthen both their legal expertise and professional responsibility. Ethics and inclusion credits promote integrity, civility, and fairness in practice—core values of the Iowa legal community.

How to Complete IA CLE Credits
Iowa attorneys have multiple options for earning their IA CLE credits, designed to offer flexibility and accessibility. While traditional in-person programs remain popular for live interaction and networking, online CLE formats have become increasingly convenient for attorneys with demanding schedules.
Approved formats for completing IA CLE requirements include:
• Live In-Person Seminars – Attend accredited events offering face-to-face interaction and discussion.
• Live Webcasts and Virtual Programs – Participate in real-time online sessions with approved providers.
• On-Demand and Self-Study Courses – Complete accredited CLE programs at your own pace.
• Teaching, Writing, or Publishing Legal Works – Attorneys can earn IA CLE credit for instructing approved programs or authoring scholarly legal articles.
The Iowa Commission on Continuing Legal Education must accredit all CLE courses for them to count toward IA CLE compliance. Attorneys are encouraged to verify approval before registering. Iowa also allows attorneys to carry forward up to 30 excess credits to the next reporting period, including up to 3 ethics hours, providing flexibility for those who complete more than the minimum requirements.

IA CLE Reporting and Deadlines
The IA CLE reporting period runs annually from January 1 to December 31, with compliance reports due by March 10 of the following year. Attorneys must complete and report their CLE hours within that timeframe to remain in good standing.
Most approved providers report attendance directly to the Commission, but attorneys are ultimately responsible for confirming that all credits are properly recorded in their IA CLE transcript. Failure to complete or accurately report required hours can result in late fees, non-compliance notices, or suspension. Attorneys should retain certificates of completion for at least three years in case of audit or verification.

Value of IA CLE
Beyond fulfilling a mandatory obligation, IA CLE represents a commitment to lifelong learning, professional growth, and ethical excellence. It provides opportunities for attorneys to stay informed on new laws, refine practical skills, and expand their legal knowledge.
Common IA CLE topics include:
• Legislative updates and new case law
• Ethics and professional conduct
• Trial preparation and advocacy
• Law office management and technology
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and attorney wellness initiatives
Ethics and D&I courses within the IA CLE system reinforce the principles of fairness, professionalism, and responsibility. These courses help Iowa attorneys navigate complex ethical challenges while maintaining public trust in the legal profession.

Conclusion | IA CLE
In conclusion, IA CLE is more than a compliance requirement—it is a vital part of maintaining professional excellence and ethical awareness in Iowa’s legal community. By completing accredited courses, tracking credits accurately, and meeting reporting deadlines, attorneys remain in good standing with the Iowa Supreme Court and continue to grow in their professional capacity.
Through IA CLE, Iowa attorneys demonstrate their ongoing dedication to competence, professionalism, and service to their clients. This continuing commitment ensures that the Iowa legal community remains strong, ethical, and respected.

For the latest official IA CLE details, forms, and FAQs, attorneys should visit the Iowa State Unified Court System’s CLE Board website.