WA CLE | Washington State CLE

Understanding WA CLE Requirements for Attorneys: A Complete Guide

Attorneys practicing in Washington are required to maintain their professional competence through WA CLE—Washington’s Continuing Legal Education program. This system ensures that lawyers remain knowledgeable, ethical, and up to date with evolving laws, procedures, and professional standards. For both new and experienced attorneys, understanding WA CLE requirements is essential to maintaining an active license and avoiding compliance issues or penalties.

WA CLE Requirements for Washington Attorneys
The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) mandates that all active attorneys complete 45 hours of WA CLE every three years. These hours are designed to promote well-rounded professional development, with specific sub-requirements to ensure a balanced focus on ethics and equity.
The breakdown of required WA CLE hours includes:
• 6 hours of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
• 1 hour of Equity, Inclusion, and the Legal Profession (EIC)
The EIC requirement reflects Washington’s ongoing commitment to promoting fairness and inclusion in the legal system. These requirements help ensure that attorneys remain not only competent in their legal practice but also aware of their ethical and social responsibilities.

How to Complete WA CLE Credits
Washington attorneys can complete their WA CLE credits through a variety of approved formats, offering flexibility and accessibility. Traditional live courses remain popular, but online and on-demand learning options have become increasingly common, allowing attorneys to learn at their own pace.
Approved formats for WA CLE include:
• Live In-Person Seminars – Attend interactive programs to engage directly with instructors and peers.
• Live Webcasts and Virtual Events – Participate in real time from anywhere with internet access.
• On-Demand and Recorded Courses – Complete pre-approved courses at your convenience.
• Teaching, Writing, or Speaking Engagements – Earn partial credit for teaching accredited courses or authoring legal materials.
The WSBA’s MCLE Department reviews and accredits all courses. Attorneys should confirm a course’s accreditation before registering to ensure it counts toward their WA CLE requirements. Washington also allows attorneys to carry forward up to 15 excess credits—including up to 2 ethics credits—into the next reporting period.

WA CLE Reporting and Deadlines
The WA CLE reporting cycle is based on a three-year period determined by an attorney’s year of admission. Lawyers must complete their 45 hours of credit by December 31 of their reporting year and report compliance to the WSBA by February 1 of the following year.
The WSBA provides an online MCLE tracking portal, where attorneys can log courses, review approved credits, and confirm compliance. Many accredited providers automatically report attendance to the Bar, but attorneys should always verify that their records are accurate.
Failure to meet WA CLE requirements or reporting deadlines may result in administrative penalties, late fees, or suspension from active practice. To avoid these issues, attorneys are encouraged to monitor their progress regularly and maintain course completion certificates for their records.

Value of WA CLE
Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, WA CLE serves as a cornerstone of professional development for attorneys. It encourages lawyers to stay informed on legal changes, refine their advocacy skills, and uphold the highest ethical standards.
Examples of beneficial WA CLE topics include:
• Updates on Washington case law and legislative changes
• Trial preparation, advocacy, and negotiation techniques
• Law practice management and client communication
• Cybersecurity and technology in law
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion training
Ethics-focused courses, in particular, reinforce the principles of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism. Through WA CLE, attorneys can choose courses that not only satisfy credit requirements but also enhance their competence and service to clients.

Conclusion | WA CLE
In conclusion, WA CLE is much more than a compliance requirement—it is an ongoing commitment to excellence, integrity, and continuous learning in the Washington legal community. By completing accredited courses, keeping accurate records, and reporting on time, attorneys maintain good standing with the WSBA while advancing their professional growth.
Through WA CLE, Washington attorneys demonstrate their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, competence, and ethical conduct—ensuring that the state’s legal community continues to inspire trust and uphold justice.

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