There is no explicit statutory or rule-based CLE exemption for inactive attorneys in Kentucky; all attorneys in good standing (active or designated) must comply with the annual 12-credit CLE requirement.
Kentucky attorneys must complete 12 CLE credits each reporting year (July 1 to June 30), including at least 2 hours of ethics, and report by August 10.
Details:
- Kentucky Supreme Court Rule 3.645, SCR 3.600 et seq. govern CLE for all attorneys.
- Kentucky allows attorneys to carry forward up to 24 credits into the next two reporting periods (4 may be ethics).
- The Kentucky Law Update program is offered each year and enables all licensed attorneys to obtain the 12-credit requirement (including 2 ethics) without additional registration fees.
- There is no published policy or rule that places inactive attorneys on a CLE exemption status.
- If an attorney changes from inactive to active, they will need to ensure compliance with that year’s CLE requirement before practice.
Key Takeaway:
In Kentucky, inactive attorneys are not relieved of CLE under current rules—they must fulfill the 12-credit (including 2 ethics) requirement during each reporting year; inactive status does not grant exemption.