LA CLE | Louisiana State CLE

Understanding LA CLE Requirements for Attorneys: A Complete Guide

Attorneys practicing in Louisiana are required to maintain their professional competence and uphold ethical standards through LA CLE—Louisiana’s Continuing Legal Education program. This system ensures that lawyers stay up to date with evolving laws, maintain professionalism, and continue delivering high-quality legal services. For both newly admitted and experienced attorneys, understanding LA CLE requirements is essential to maintaining an active license and avoiding compliance penalties.

LA CLE Requirements for Louisiana Attorneys
The Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Mandatory Continuing Legal Education oversees LA CLE compliance for all active attorneys. Each licensed attorney must complete 12.5 credit hours of LA CLE every year, which includes a specific ethics and professionalism requirement.
The annual LA CLE requirements include:
• 1 hour of Ethics
• 1 hour of Professionalism
• 10.5 hours of General Credit
This structure ensures that attorneys maintain a strong foundation in both substantive law and ethical conduct. The ethics and professionalism components promote integrity, civility, and accountability in the legal profession—values that are essential for the Louisiana Bar.

How to Complete LA CLE Credits
Louisiana attorneys can fulfill their LA CLE requirements through various approved formats, allowing flexibility and accessibility. While traditional in-person seminars remain valuable for networking and interactive discussion, online and on-demand programs have become increasingly popular for their convenience.
Approved methods for earning LA CLE credits include:
• Live In-Person Seminars – Attend accredited programs offering direct engagement with speakers and colleagues.
• Live Webcasts and Virtual Programs – Participate in real-time CLE sessions remotely.
• On-Demand or Recorded Courses – Complete pre-approved courses at your own pace.
• Teaching or Publishing – Attorneys may receive partial LA CLE credit for teaching accredited courses or publishing legal materials.
All LA CLE programs must be approved by the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on MCLE. Attorneys should verify accreditation before registering to ensure their participation counts toward compliance. Louisiana also allows attorneys to carry forward up to 8 excess general credits into the next reporting year, offering flexibility for those who complete more than the required hours.

LA CLE Reporting and Deadlines
The LA CLE compliance cycle runs annually from January 1 to December 31. Attorneys must complete all required CLE hours by December 31 and confirm compliance through the Louisiana MCLE Committee by January 31 of the following year.
Many CLE providers report attendance directly to the Committee, but attorneys are ultimately responsible for ensuring that their LA CLE credits are accurately recorded. Failure to complete or properly report LA CLE hours may result in late fees, administrative penalties, or suspension from active status. Attorneys should maintain certificates of completion for at least three years in case of audit.

Value of LA CLE
Beyond regulatory compliance, LA CLE offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth. The program helps attorneys stay informed about new laws, refine their legal skills, and strengthen their ethical decision-making—factors that contribute to client trust and overall professional excellence.
Examples of beneficial LA CLE topics include:
• Updates in Louisiana civil, criminal, and family law
• Ethics and professionalism in legal practice
• Litigation, trial advocacy, and negotiation skills
• Law practice management, technology, and cybersecurity
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
Ethics and professionalism courses are particularly valuable, as they reinforce the duties of honesty, respect, and fairness—qualities that define Louisiana’s legal community. Participation in LA CLE reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, competence, and ethical practice.

Conclusion | LA CLE
In conclusion, LA CLE is more than a regulatory requirement—it is a cornerstone of professional growth and ethical practice for Louisiana attorneys. By completing accredited courses, tracking credits diligently, and reporting compliance on time, attorneys maintain good standing with the Louisiana Supreme Court while continuously improving their legal knowledge and professionalism.
Through LA CLE, Louisiana attorneys demonstrate dedication to competence, integrity, and client service—ensuring the state’s legal community upholds the highest standards of ethical and professional excellence.

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