In Kentucky, CLE credit counts when an activity is accredited under SCR 3.650, including live programs, self-study/technological formats, teaching, writing, and program planning.
Every attorney must complete 12 credits per educational year, of which 2 must be in ethics.
Approved CLE activities
- Live seminars, interactive webinars, or in-person programs accredited by the CLE Commission under SCR 3.650.
- Technological/self-study programs (on-demand audio, video, written formats) that meet the accreditation standards.
- Teaching or presenting legal education programs (if approved).
- Writing or publishing legal materials (if accredited).
- Program planning, serving as moderator or panelist, if approved.
Rules, limits & carryover
- Ethics credits embedded into substantive sessions do not satisfy the 2-hour ethics requirement unless they are designated ethics programming.
- Carryover: up to 24 credit hours may be carried forward, including up to 4 ethics credits, usable over the next two years.
- Deadline: credit must be earned by June 30 of the educational year.
- Reporting: attorneys must self-report credits (via KBA’s portal) by August 10 following the educational year.
- New Lawyer Program: within 12 months of admission, attorneys must complete a 12-credit (with 2 ethics) New Lawyer Program unless exempted under SCR 3.640.
Key Takeaway: Kentucky attorneys may earn CLE through accredited live, technological, teaching, writing, or planning activities—12 total annual credits including 2 ethics—with up to 24 credit carryover, subject to SCR 3.650 and associated rules.