Yes — under Wisconsin’s CLE rules, you can request an extension of time for completion or reporting in cases of hardship or other compelling reasons. SCR Chapter 31 expressly gives the Board authority to “extend time deadlines for completion of attendance and reporting requirements” in hardship or compelling-reason cases.
Wisconsin CLE Requirements & Deadlines
- Active attorneys must complete 30 hours of approved CLE every two years, including 3 hours in ethics and professional responsibility.
- Courses must be completed by December 31 of the reporting year, with a practical grace period to January 31.
- Lawyers must file CLE Form 1 (report) by February 1 following the reporting period.
- If you miss the deadline, a late fee (typically $100) is assessed.
Authority & Procedure for Extensions / Waivers
- SCR 31.12 empowers the Board to “extend time deadlines for completion of attendance and reporting requirements in cases of hardship or for other compelling reasons.”
- SCR 31.12 also allows waivers of attendance or reporting “where to do otherwise would work an injustice.”
- Under SCR 31.09, lawyers may submit “written requests … for … extensions of time” and the Board must respond in writing.
What You Should Do
- Identify and document the hardship or compelling reason preventing timely compliance (e.g. serious illness, natural disaster).
- Draft a written extension request citing SCR 31.12, explaining your situation, steps taken, and proposed extension timeline.
- Submit the request to the Board of Bar Examiners (Wisconsin) before or right after your deadline.
- Continue earning CLE credits (or plan to do so) while awaiting decision, because an extension does not necessarily pause obligations.
- If approved, adhere to any new schedule or conditions the Board sets.
Limitations & Considerations
- The extension is discretionary — approval is not assured.
- You must show compelling reasons or hardship; ordinary delays or oversight may not qualify.
- The Board may impose conditions (e.g. additional CLE, deadlines) along with the extension.
- Filing a request does not automatically suspend penalties or stay suspension unless the Board specifically grants that relief.
- Even with an extension, you must ultimately satisfy all CLE and reporting requirements or face suspension under SCR 31.10.
Key Takeaway
In Wisconsin, attorneys may request an extension of time for CLE completion or reporting under SCR 31.12 for hardship or compelling reasons — file a prompt, well-documented request with the Board of Bar Examiners, but relief is discretionary and not guaranteed.
