Sometimes — in many jurisdictions, attending law school classes can count as CLE (or MCLE) credit if the jurisdiction’s rules allow academic credit to be converted into CLE, but only under certain conditions. It depends on the state’s CLE regulations and whether the law school course is approved.
Details & Examples:
- Illinois: The MCLE Board permits attorneys to claim CLE credit for attending J.D. or graduate level law courses at an ABA-accredited law school (post-admission), subject to approval, with limits (e.g. maximum hours). (Illinois MCLE Board FAQ)
- California: California’s MCLE rules explicitly list “attending law school classes” among activities that may qualify, subject to the State Bar’s approval process. (California Bar MCLE Education Approval rules)
- North Carolina: Under Rule .1523, a member may earn CLE credit for ABA law school courses in substantive law, though not for courses taken before bar admission, and subject to the formula in Rule .1524.
- New York: Attorneys may earn 1 CLE credit hour for each 50 minutes of instruction at an ABA-accredited law school, with the law school providing documentation (transcript, certificate). (NY Courts CLE FAQs)
Key conditions that typically apply:
- The law course must be at an ABA-accredited law school (or recognized equivalent).
- The course must satisfy “substantive law” or “legal education” content, not non-legal or primarily commercial topics.
- You must submit evidence: transcript, certificate from the law school showing attendance, hours, course designation, etc.
- Some jurisdictions cap the number of CLE credits you can derive from law school classes within a reporting period.
- Courses taken before bar admission are often excluded or require additional justification.
Key Takeaway
Yes — law school classes can sometimes be converted into CLE credit, but only in jurisdictions whose rules allow it and under strict conditions (approved law school, substantive content, documentation, and caps).
