Can I report CLE credits late in Ohio?

Yes — Ohio allows carryover of CLE credits, up to 12 hours (general credits only).
Per the Ohio State Bar and Ohio CLE rules, excess credit beyond the 24-hour biennial requirement may be carried forward as general credit (professional conduct credits carry over only as general).

Details & nuances

• Ohio attorneys must complete 24 credit hours in each two-year compliance period, including 2.5 hours in Professional Conduct. (Supreme Court of Ohio CLE Info)
• The OSBA’s CLE page states: “Attorneys who complete more than the required hours of credit in a compliance period may apply a maximum of 12 credit hours to the next compliance period.” (ohiobar.org)
• Professional Conduct (ethics/professionalism) credits, when carried, are treated only as general credit and cannot satisfy the Professional Conduct requirement in the next period. (via NBI summary)
• For newly admitted attorneys in Ohio’s New Lawyers Training (NLT) program, if they earn more than the 12 required NLT credits, they too may carry over up to 12 general credits into the next compliance period. (lawline)

Key Takeaway
In Ohio, you can carry over up to 12 excess CLE credits (as general credit) into your next biennial period — but Professional Conduct credits carried over cannot count toward its required subcategory.

No — Ohio does not require a fixed number of in-person classroom CLE hours.

The state allows attorneys to satisfy their CLE requirement via live interactive programs (including live webcasts) or self-study courses, and as of January 1, 2023, the cap on self-study hours has been eliminated.

Details

• Ohio attorneys must complete 24 CLE credit hours per two-year compliance period, including 2.5 hours in professional conduct.
• Under prior rules, self-study (recorded, non-interactive) was capped; but the Supreme Court removed that cap permanently in 2023, allowing all credits from approved self-study formats.
• Sponsors must apply for accreditation of CLE programs, including specifying whether a program is “live in-person,” “live interactive webinar,” or self-study.
• Self-study courses must meet verification criteria (e.g. login tracking, polling) to qualify.

Key Takeaway

Ohio imposes no in-person classroom minimum — attorneys may fulfill their full 24-hour biennial CLE requirement through approved live interactive or self-study (recorded) formats under current rules.

The CLE reporting deadline in Ohio is January 31 following the December 31 compliance deadline.

Ohio attorneys must complete their required CLE credits by December 31 of their reporting cycle and then certify/report within 30 days (by January 31).

Ohio CLE Reporting Rules & Schedule

• Compliance by December 31: Attorneys must finish all CLE credits by year-end.
• Reporting Deadline: January 31 (30 days after the compliance date).
• Name-based schedule:
   • A–L attorneys comply in odd-numbered years
  
   • M–Z attorneys comply in even-numbered years
• Credit Requirement: 24 hours every two years, including 2.5 hours of professional conduct
• Noncompliance Risk: Missing the reporting deadline triggers late compliance procedures

Key Takeaway: In Ohio, complete your CLE by December 31 and certify/report by January 31.

No — Ohio’s CLE rules do not provide for a formal extension of time to report CLE, though the Court may consider leniency in exceptional cases. The official Ohio CLE FAQ makes no mention of an extension option.

Ohio CLE Framework & Reporting Deadlines

• Ohio attorneys must complete 24 credit hours every two years.
• CLE credits must be earned by December 31 of the compliance period.
• Attorneys must report their completed credits by January 31 following the period.

What You Should Do (if you can’t meet the deadline)

1. Contact the Office of Attorney Services (Ohio Supreme Court) immediately to explain your situation.
2. Provide documentation of the hardship or extenuating circumstances.
3. Request that they consider leniency or alternative relief (though not guaranteed).
4. Simultaneously complete as many CLE hours as possible.
5. Retain all records and communications in case of audit or review.

Limitations & Considerations

• Because there is no statutory authority permitting extensions, any relief is purely discretionary and not guaranteed.
• There is no published procedure, form, or standard for extension requests in Ohio’s CLE materials.
• Even in hardship, failure to report or complete CLE may expose you to discipline or administrative consequences.
• Advance planning is crucial — do not wait until the last minute.

Key Takeaway

Ohio’s rules do not officially allow CLE reporting extensions — you can try to seek discretionary leniency in exceptional cases, but there is no procedural right to an extension.

Ohio attorneys meet and report CLE by relying on course providers to submit attendance; attorneys then certify on their biennial registration if their transcript shows compliance. Providers must report attendance to the Commission within 30 days, and attorneys verify it via the Supreme Court’s Attorney Services Portal.

Key Details:

• Approved CLE providers must submit attendee data within 30 days after the course.
• Attorneys do not file separate CLE reports; compliance is confirmed through the attorney registration or transcript system.
• If credits are missing or misreported, attorneys may file a request for credit using Form 1a or other CLE request forms.
• Compliance groups and deadlines: attorneys A–L must comply by end of each odd-numbered year; M–Z by the end of even-numbered years.

Key Takeaway: In Ohio, CLE reporting is largely provider-driven, and attorneys certify compliance via their registration and transcript without submitting separate activity forms.

Missing Ohio’s CLE deadline does not automatically suspend your law license, but it puts you at risk of audit, late compliance penalties, and disciplinary referral. Attorneys must complete 24 CLE hours (including 2.5 hours in professional conduct) by December 31 of their designated compliance year and certify that on their biennial registration.

Ohio CLE Deadline & Certification

• December 31 (odd years for A–L, even years for M–Z): Final day to complete CLE hours.
• January 31: Deadline to certify CLE compliance via attorney registration.

Consequences & Cure Options

• The Supreme Court may impose a late compliance sanction if deficiencies are not cured by March 31, including suspension in cases of serial noncompliance.
• If audited and you cannot prove timely completion, your name may be referred to the Appellate Division for discipline.
• Attorneys may carry over up to 12 general credit hours to the next biennium, if timely reported.

Key Takeaway: In Ohio, missing the CLE deadline triggers late compliance procedures and audit risk; repeated failure to cure may lead to suspension or disciplinary action under state rules.