Your Guide to Meeting the Illinois CLE Requirements Before June 30

For attorneys in Illinois, June 30th is a key deadline you won’t want to miss. With the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) deadline approaching, it’s critical to make sure you’ve completed the required credits to keep your license active and remain in good standing with the Illinois State Bar Association.

We recognize how valuable your time is, and that’s why we’re here to guide you through Illinois’ CLE requirements with ease.

What Are My Deadlines and Credit Requirements?

If you’re practicing law in IL, you need to complete 30 credit hours every two years. At least 6 of those credits must be in Professional Responsibility, at least 1 in Diversity and Inclusion, and at least 1 in Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

You have until June 30th to complete your CLEs, and until July 31st to report them.

What Types of CLE Courses Are Accepted in Illinois?

All 30 credits can be On-Demand or Live Webcast courses.

How SproutEd Can Help You Stay Compliant

At SproutEd, we simplify your path to meeting Illinois’ CLE requirements. With our wide selection of courses across numerous practice areas, you can easily find the content you need to not only stay compliant but also enhance your legal expertise.

Consider our Unlimited CLE Membership or our Illinois CLE Membership. Both membership options offer the flexibility to take as many courses as you need throughout the year at a fixed price. This option is especially beneficial for attorneys who want to stay ahead without the stress of tracking individual course costs.

IL CLE FAQs

How do I report my CLE credits?
SproutEd Reports your attendance to the Illinois MCLE Board within 30 days of course completion. By July 31st the MCLE Board will post a CLE transcript on each Attorney’s My MCLE profile. Attorneys in compliance need take no further action.

Can I carry over extra CLE credits?
Up to 10 credits may be carried over to the next reporting period, including Professional Responsibility. Attorneys must add carryover credits to their transcripts on their My MCLE profile for them to be applied to their MCLE requirements.

What are the consequences of not completing my CLE in time?
Attorneys who fail to submit MCLE certification within 31 days after the end of their reporting period will be sent a notice of noncompliance. If the attorney doesn’t provide proof of completing the CLE requirements or get an exemption, they will be reported to the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). The ARDC will then send notice that the attorney will be suspended from the practice of law.

What are the requirements for newly admitted attorneys in Illinois?

Total Credits: 15 credit hours every two years:

• At least 6 hours fulfilled by taking a Basic Skills Course approved by the MCLE Board.

Credits must be completed within one year of being admitted, by the last day of the month.

Up to 15 hours may be carried over to the next reporting period, with up to 6 Professional Responsibility credits, but only to the first two-year reporting period.