Does New York have minimum live webcast or in-person CLE requirements?
No — New York does not require most attorneys to complete a minimum number of in-person or live webcast CLE credits.
Experienced attorneys may earn all required CLE credits through on-demand or recorded programs, provided the course is accredited and completed within the compliance period.
CLE Format Rules in New York
- Experienced attorneys (admitted more than two years) must complete 24 CLE credits every two years. All 24 credits may be earned via nonparticipatory (on-demand) programs, as long as the course is approved by the New York State CLE Board.
- Newly admitted attorneys (in their first two years of admission) are the exception:
- Skills credits must be completed through a traditional live classroom or a fully interactive live videoconference.
- Ethics and Professionalism credits must allow real-time interaction (such as live webcast or video).
- Temporary provisions allow newly admitted attorneys to complete Skills credits via live interactive webcast or teleconference through December 31, 2025.
- There is no universal live-hour minimum for all attorneys under New York’s CLE rules.
Summary Table
| Attorney Type | Total Hours | Live Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experienced (2+ years) | 24 biennially | None required | All may be on-demand |
| Newly Admitted | 32 in first 2 years | Yes — Skills & Ethics must be live/interactive | Temporary live webcast option allowed through 2025 |
Key Takeaway
New York does not impose a live or in-person CLE minimum for most attorneys — only newly admitted attorneys must take certain Skills and Ethics credits in live or interactive formats.
