Navigating Wisconsin's Continuing Legal Education Requirements

In Wisconsin, maintaining an active law license requires adherence to Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements. These requirements ensure that attorneys remain up-to-date on the latest legal developments, ethical standards, and best practices. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Wisconsin's CLE rules, reporting procedures, and available exemptions.

Core CLE Requirements

Wisconsin attorneys are mandated to complete 30 CLE credit hours every two years. A crucial component of these hours is the ethics/professional responsibility (EPR) requirement, mandating 3.00 credits be earned in this area during each reporting period. Furthermore, to ensure engagement and interaction, at least 15 of the 30 required credits must be completed through live formats. The remaining credits can be fulfilled through various methods, including on-demand programs, subject to certain limitations.

Reporting Periods and Deadlines

The CLE reporting period for Wisconsin attorneys depends on the year they were admitted to the bar. Attorneys admitted in odd-numbered years have a reporting period that concludes on December 31 of every odd year. The deadline for completing CLE and submitting the necessary documentation is February 1 of the following year. For attorneys admitted in even-numbered years, the reporting period ends on December 31 of every even year.

To report CLE completion, Wisconsin attorneys must file a CLE Form 1 with the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners. This form is readily available online.

Acceptable CLE Course Formats

Wisconsin offers flexibility in how attorneys can fulfill their CLE requirements. Courses are available in a variety of formats to suit different learning preferences and schedules. National Academy of Continuing Legal Education is an approved sponsor of CLE activities recognized by the Supreme Court of Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners.

Read also: GPA Insights: UW-Madison

Acceptable formats include:

Live Programs: These include in-person courses and live online programming. Crucially, the mandatory three (3) hours of legal ethics and professional responsibility credits (EPR) must be completed with live, on-line programming or with in-person courses.
On-Demand Programs: These allow attorneys to complete courses at their own pace and convenience.
CDs: Providing a portable learning option for attorneys on the go.

Special Considerations for On-Demand Programs during COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued a temporary order amending the rules related to on-demand CLE credits. Even-year reporters (2021-2022 cycle) were allowed to claim up to 30 credits from "on demand" programs. Moreover, even-year reporters (2021-2022 cycle) who had failed to demonstrate compliance with their CLE reporting period, were allowed to use repeated on-demand programs to satisfy deficiencies in their credit hours. However, that did not include the mandatory three (3) hours of legal ethics and professional responsibility credits (EPR), which must be completed with live, on-line programming or with in-person courses. Lawyers required to satisfy CLE requirements as a prerequisite to reinstatement, readmission, or reactivation were allowed to satisfy 100% of their required CLE using on-demand programs for petitions, provided that make up credits are completed on or before December 31, 2022. However, that did not include the mandatory three (3) hours of legal ethics and professional responsibility credits (EPR), which must be completed with live, on-line programming or with in-person courses.

Attorneys in Wisconsin can earn a maximum of 15.00 CLE credits with repeated OnDemand courses.

CLE Credit for Legal Writing

Wisconsin attorneys can also earn CLE credit for approved published legal writings. A lawyer can write, in whole or in substantial part, an article, chapter, book or significant revision. To apply for credit, attorneys must submit CLE Form 4 along with a copy of the publication. The maximum number of credits awarded for a published legal writing is 15.

Exemptions from CLE Requirements

Certain attorneys may be exempt from the standard CLE requirements in Wisconsin. Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE reporting requirements for the remainder of the calendar year in which they are admitted to the bar. A lawyer whose practice is principally in another jurisdiction that has mandatory CLE requirements and who is current in meeting those requirements is exempt from the 30-hour Wisconsin attendance requirement.

Carry-Over Credits

Wisconsin attorneys are allowed to carry over up to 15.00 CLE credits to the next reporting period. Except for Ethics/Professional Responsibility (EPR) credits, you can carry over up to 15.00 credits that were completed during the calendar year you were admitted to practice law in Wisconsin.

Specific Course Content Areas

In addition to general legal topics and ethics, CLE credits may also be claimed for "Lawyer Awareness and Understanding" and "Law Practice Management." Each category is limited to 6.0 credits per reporting period. Law Practice Management (LPM) CLE courses focus on topics related to law firm management.

Ethics and Professional Responsibility (EPR)

Wisconsin attorneys must complete 3.00 ethics/professional responsibility (EPR) credits every reporting period. If the course is approved for ethics credit in the other jurisdiction and the content meets Wisconsin’s EPR definition, then it will satisfy the requirement.

Correcting Errors in CLE Filings

If an attorney discovers an error in a previously filed CLE form, they can file a corrected form with the Board of Bar Examiners.

Key Considerations for Compliance

Timely Completion: Wisconsin attorneys must complete all 30.00 required credits by December 31 in their reporting year.
Live Format Requirement: Ensure that at least 15 credits are earned through live courses or live online programming.
Ethics Requirement: Fulfill the mandatory 3.00 credits of legal ethics and professional responsibility (EPR) through approved courses.
Accurate Reporting: File CLE Form 1 accurately and on time with the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners.
Record Keeping: Maintain records of completed CLE courses for verification purposes.

Contact Information

Board of Examiners

110 E. Main Street, Suite 330

Madison, WI 53703-3355

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