NY CLE | New York State CLE

NY CLE | Understanding New York State CLE (MCLE) Requirements

Continuing Legal Education (CLE), also known in New York as Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) | NY CLE , is a vital component of professional development for attorneys. The program ensures that lawyers remain up-to-date on the latest developments in law, ethics, and practice. Understanding New York’s MCLE requirements is essential to maintain good standing with the bar and to deliver high-quality service to clients. Below is a comprehensive overview of what attorneys practicing in New York need to know.

CLE Requirements for Experienced Attorneys |NY CLE

Attorneys who have been admitted to the New York bar for more than two years are considered “experienced” and must complete 24 CLE credit hours every two years. This biennial reporting period aligns with the attorney’s registration cycle, which is tied to their birthday.

Within these 24 credits, certain topics are mandatory:

• Ethics and Professionalism: at least 4 credits

• Diversity, Inclusion, and Elimination of Bias: at least 1 credit

• Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Data Protection: at least 1 credit (effective July 1, 2023)

The remaining 18 credits may be earned in any approved category, such as law practice management or substantive areas of law. Attorneys can carry forward up to 6 extra credits from one reporting cycle to the next. They must also keep proof of course completion—such as certificates of attendance—for at least four years, in case of an audit.

CLE Requirements for Newly Admitted Attorneys | NY CLE

Attorneys admitted to the New York bar for two years or less face different requirements designed to help them transition into active practice. Newly admitted attorneys must earn 32 NY CLE credits during their first two years, with 16 credits each year.

Each year’s credits must include:

• 3 credits in Ethics and Professionalism

• 6 credits in Skills

• 7 credits in Law Practice Management or Areas of Professional Practice

In addition, all newly admitted attorneys must earn at least 1 credit in Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Data Protection during their first two-year cycle.

A key distinction for new attorneys is that certain credits, particularly in Skills and Ethics, must be completed in live or fully interactive formats—such as in-person classes, live webinars, or approved real-time videoconferences. Pre-recorded, on-demand courses typically do not satisfy these requirements for new lawyers.

Course Formats and Approved Providers | NY CLE

New York requires that CLE credits be earned from New York-accredited providers or from providers accredited in other approved jurisdictions. For experienced attorneys, most formats—live classes, live webinars, and on-demand recordings—are acceptable.

However, for newly admitted attorneys, live or interactive participation is often required to ensure a more hands-on learning experience. Attorneys should always verify a course’s accreditation status before enrolling to make sure the hours count toward their CLE obligation.

Reporting and Recordkeeping

Unlike some jurisdictions that require separate CLE reporting, New York attorneys report compliance with their CLE requirements on their biennial attorney registration statement. This registration must be submitted within 30 days after their birthday in the year it is due.

Failure to comply with NY CLE requirements can lead to referral to the Appellate Division for possible disciplinary action. Therefore, accurate recordkeeping and timely completion of courses are critical.

Pro Rata Adjustments and Waivers | NY CLE

Attorneys who practice in New York for only part of a reporting cycle may qualify for pro rata credit requirements, generally calculated at 1 credit per month of practice in the state.

In cases of hardship—such as illness, disability, or other exceptional circumstances—an attorney can apply to the New York CLE Board for a waiver or modification of the standard requirements.

Staying Compliant and Competitive

The MCLE program is not merely a regulatory obligation; it helps attorneys stay sharp and competitive in a rapidly changing legal landscape. From updates in substantive law to emerging areas like cybersecurity, CLE courses provide essential knowledge to serve clients effectively and ethically.

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

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