Yes – in many states, dual-barred attorneys can combine or apply CLE credits earned in one jurisdiction toward another through reciprocity or “approved jurisdiction” rules.
However, not all states allow this practice, so attorneys must confirm reciprocity before reporting shared credits.
- New York: Accepts out-of-state CLE courses approved by a jurisdiction on New York’s “Approved Jurisdiction” list.
- California: Permits attorneys to claim credit for courses approved by another “Approved Jurisdiction,” subject to certain restrictions, such as being outside California when completing the program.
- New Jersey: Recognizes CLE credits earned in other mandatory-CLE states through reciprocity, even if the specific program was not accredited in New Jersey.
- North Carolina and South Carolina: Ended their CLE reciprocity agreement as of March 1, 2024, meaning dual-barred attorneys in those states can no longer combine credits.
- National CLE providers such as Sprout Education and Attorney Credits routinely ensure that their programs are accredited in all U.S. jurisdictions requiring CLE, simplifying compliance for dual-barred attorneys.
Considerations & Limitations:
1. Reciprocity rules differ by state, so verify eligibility with both bars before relying on shared credits.
2. The course must meet each jurisdiction’s required credit type (ethics, skills, technology, etc.).
3. Certificates typically list all approved jurisdictions for which credit has been granted.
4. Always retain official documentation to verify cross-jurisdiction compliance.
Key Takeaway
Many states allow dual-barred attorneys to combine CLE credits under reciprocity or approved-jurisdiction policies, and national providers like Sprout Education and Attorney Credits make multi-state accreditation straightforward—but confirmation with each state bar remains essential.
