Do family law attorneys need specific CLE topics?
No — there is no universal requirement mandating that family law attorneys take specific CLE topics just because they practice family law.
That said, attorneys who become certified specialists or engage in specialty practice may face additional CLE obligations in family law or related areas.
- In California, the State Bar’s “legal specialist” program requires that CLE activities for specialists include certain recognized practice-area topics, including family law.
- In North Carolina, for board-certified family law specialists, at least 60 hours of CLE must be in family law (with up to 12 in related fields), and at least 9 hours per calendar year.
- In Illinois, the Illinois State Bar Association’s family law certification requires an applicant to complete a minimum of 36 hours of CLE in subjects specifically approved for family law.
- Some states maintain a list of “family relations” CLE courses approved for attorneys practicing that area. For example, Ohio has a selection of pre-approved family relations CLE programs.
Key Takeaway:
Unless the jurisdiction requires specialization, family law attorneys typically must satisfy general CLE requirements. But if they hold or seek a certification in family law, or the state imposes specialty CLE standards, then specific family law topics will be required.
