IN CLE | Indiana State CLE

Understanding IN CLE Requirements for Attorneys: A Complete Guide

Attorneys practicing in Indiana are required to maintain their professional competence and ethical standards through IN CLE—Indiana’s Continuing Legal Education program. This program ensures that lawyers remain current with evolving laws, uphold professional integrity, and continue providing high-quality legal services. Understanding IN CLE requirements is essential for both newly admitted and experienced attorneys to maintain an active license and avoid compliance penalties.

IN CLE Requirements for Indiana Attorneys
The Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education oversees IN CLE compliance for all active members of the Indiana Bar. Every licensed attorney must complete 24 credit hours of IN CLE every two years, including mandatory ethics and professional responsibility training.
The breakdown of required IN CLE hours includes:
• 2 hours of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
• 22 hours of General Credit
This framework ensures that attorneys maintain both substantive legal knowledge and a strong foundation in ethics. Ethics courses reinforce professional conduct, client confidentiality, and civility—key elements for effective legal practice in Indiana.

How to Complete IN CLE Credits
Indiana attorneys have multiple approved options for earning IN CLE credits. Traditional in-person seminars provide networking opportunities and live instruction, while online and on-demand courses allow attorneys to complete credits conveniently at their own pace.
Approved methods for earning IN CLE credits include:
• Live In-Person Seminars – Participate in accredited sessions with interactive instruction.
• Live Webcasts and Virtual Programs – Join real-time online events from anywhere.
• On-Demand or Recorded Courses – Complete pre-approved programs at a convenient pace.
• Teaching or Legal Writing – Attorneys may earn partial IN CLE credit for teaching approved courses or publishing legal materials.
All IN CLE programs must be approved by the Indiana CLE Commission. Attorneys should confirm course accreditation before registering to ensure participation counts toward annual requirements. Indiana also allows attorneys to carry forward up to 6 excess general credits into the next compliance period, providing flexibility for those who complete additional hours.

IN CLE Reporting and Deadlines
The IN CLE compliance period runs biennially, based on an attorney’s last name. Attorneys must complete all required CLE credits by December 31 of their reporting year and submit a compliance report to the Indiana CLE Commission.
Many accredited providers report attendance directly to the Commission, but it is the attorney’s responsibility to ensure all IN CLE credits are correctly recorded. Failure to comply with IN CLE requirements or reporting deadlines may result in late fees, administrative sanctions, or suspension from active practice. Attorneys should maintain certificates of completion for at least three years in case of audit.

Value of IN CLE
Beyond regulatory compliance, IN CLE provides attorneys with opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and ethical reflection. It ensures that attorneys remain informed about developments in Indiana law, improve practical skills, and uphold the standards of professional conduct.
Examples of beneficial IN CLE topics include:
• Updates in Indiana civil, criminal, and family law
• Ethics and professional responsibility
• Trial preparation and courtroom advocacy
• Law practice management, technology, and cybersecurity
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Ethics courses are particularly important, helping attorneys navigate professional challenges, maintain client trust, and uphold integrity within Indiana’s legal community. Participation in IN CLE demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence.

Conclusion | IN CLE
In conclusion, IN CLE is more than a regulatory obligation—it is a cornerstone of professional development and ethical practice for Indiana attorneys. By completing accredited courses, tracking credit hours carefully, and reporting compliance on time, attorneys maintain good standing with the Indiana CLE Commission while continuously improving their skills.
Through IN CLE, Indiana attorneys show dedication to competence, professionalism, and client service—ensuring that the state’s legal community maintains high standards of ethical and professional excellence.

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