Wisconsin

The CLE reporting deadline in Wisconsin is February 1 following the end of the two-year reporting period.

Attorneys must complete all required credits by December 31 of the reporting period and submit their report by February 1.

Wisconsin CLE Reporting Rules

• Reporting period: 2 years
• Compliance deadline: December 31 (complete all CLE)
• Reporting /

Yes — Wisconsin allows late reporting of CLE compliance past the February 1 deadline, but it subjects you to a $100 late fee and potential further penalties.

Under SCR Chapter 31, lawyers who do not establish compliance by February 1 are assessed a late fee ($50 under some versions, but more recent CLE reporting rules provide for $100) and may face suspension if noncompliance continues.

Detailed Explanation

• SCR 31.03(1) requires lawyers to file CLE Form 1 under oath by the last day of the reporting period. SCR

Yes — Wisconsin requires that at least half of CLE credits be earned in a “live” or interactive format. Specifically, at least 15 of the 30 required credits must be from live programs (in-person, live webinars or teleconferences), and all 3 ethics credits must be live.

Wisconsin CLE Format Rules

• Total requirement: 30 credit hours every 2 years.
• Live minimum: At least 15 credits must be live programming (including in-person, live webcasts, teleconferences).
• Ethics requirement: 3 ethics / professional responsibility credits must be taken live (not via on-demand).
• On-demand / prerecorded limit: Up to 15 credits may be earned via repeated on-demand programs.
• Carryover and deadlines: Attorneys may carry over up to 15 credits into the next reporting period (ethics credits cannot be carried over).

Key Takeaway: In Wisconsin, you must complete at least 15 live credits in every two-year cycle (including all ethics credits) — live webcasts or in-person events both qualify, but on-demand courses are restricted to the remaining credits.

Yes — Wisconsin allows carryover of CLE credits, up to 15 credit hours, though ethics (EPR) credits cannot carry over toward the ethics requirement.
SCR Chapter 31 permits up to 15 approved credits to be carried forward to the next reporting period (if timely reported), but excludes ethics credit from fulfilling the ethics minimum.

Details & nuances

• Under SCR 31.05(2)(a), “up to 15 hours of approved continuing legal education may be carried forward to the next reporting period,” subject to conditions.
• One condition is that the CLE Form 1 (or amendment) reflecting those hours must be filed by the close of business on the February 1 following the reporting period.
• The carryforward credits must reflect attendance at approved courses during the reporting period and not rely on courses approved after the reporting period.
• SCR 31.05(2)(c) states that ethics (legal ethics and professional responsibility) credits may be carried forward under the general carryover provision, but may not be used to satisfy the mandatory ethics requirement in the next period.
• According to Wisconsin CLE summaries, the carryover rule is commonly phrased: “Attorneys may carry over 15 credits into the next reporting period. Ethics credits cannot be carried over.”
• For new lawyers (in the year of admission), the Wisconsin Bar notes that if they earn CLE credits during that first year (although exempt from requirement), up to 15 credits may be carried into their first full reporting period — with the same ethics exception.

Key Takeaway
Wisconsin allows attorneys to carry over up to 15 CLE credits into the next reporting period (general credits only); ethics (EPR) credits cannot satisfy the ethics requirement in that next period.

Yes — attorneys in Wisconsin may submit CLE reports online via the Supreme Court’s CLE Reporting e-filing system.

This is the official mechanism for filing your Report of Compliance, adding courses, and electronically signing the form.

Details:

• Wisconsin’s Court System provides a CLE Reporting site where attorneys can register/login and file their CLE report

In Wisconsin, you may submit CLE reporting (i.e. file your CLE Form 1) only after your two-year reporting period ends on December 31. The filing deadline is February 1 of the following year.

You cannot file compliance before December 31 — even though CLE hours earned earlier in the period accumulate, the formal reporting window opens only after the period’s close.

Key Details

• The reporting period is two years, ending December 31, tied to your year of admission (even-admit lawyers report in

Wisconsin attorneys report CLE by electronically filing CLE Form 1 (Report of Compliance) via the Wisconsin CLE Reporting portal. The form must be filed by February 1 following the reporting cycle, covering courses completed by January 31.

Key Details:

• The Board of Bar Examiners’ electronic filing system (clereporting.wicourts.gov) is the required reporting channel.
• Lawyers admitted in odd-numbered years file for odd-year cycles, and those admitted in even years for even-year cycles.
• Courses must be finished by January 31 of the filing year.
• Late filing incurs a $100 late fee.
• If additional approved hours are earned after filing, attorneys may request amendment to increase carryover credits.
• For published legal writing credit, attorneys use CLE Form 4, submitting the published work and application to the BBE.

Key Takeaway: In Wisconsin, CLE reporting is conducted via e-filing of CLE Form 1 on the state’s portal by February 1, based on credits completed by January 31 of the same year.

No — Wisconsin’s CLE rules apply uniformly to all “active” attorneys; there is no reduced CLE obligation for part-time attorneys.

Under Supreme Court Rule Chapter 31, attorneys in Wisconsin must complete 30 hours of approved CLE in each two-year reporting period (including at least 3 hours in ethics).

Details:

• At least 15 of the 30 hours must be from “live” programs.
• Ethics hours must be taken live (i.e. not via repeated

Yes — judges in Wisconsin are subject to a distinct judicial education (CJE / JE) requirement that operates alongside, and separate from, the CLE obligations for attorneys.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule Chapter 32 establishes a continuing judicial education program that requires justices, appellate judges, circuit judges, commissioners, and municipal judges to earn credits over multi-year periods.

Details

• Under SCR Chapter 32, circuit court judges must attend the Wisconsin Judicial College at least once in every six-year

Wisconsin attorneys must complete 30 CLE credit hours every two years. That requirement includes 3 hours in ethics, and at least 15 hours must be taken via live or interactive formats.

Degree & Format Requirements

• Total requirement: 30 credits per biennial period
• Ethics: 3 credits (must be live/webcast)
• Live minimum: at least 15 credits must be live or interactive programming
• On-demand (recorded) cap: up to 15 credits per period (ethics credits are not allowed via on-demand)

Carryover & Reporting

• Carryover: up to 15 excess credits may carry into the next reporting period (ethics credits may not carry for satisfying the ethics requirement)
• Reporting deadline: February 1 following the end of the reporting period
• Compliance deadline: December 31 of the end year of the reporting period

Exemptions

• A lawyer is exempt from attendance and reporting in the year of admission to practice law in Wisconsin

Key Takeaway: Wisconsin requires 30 CLE hours every two years, including 3 live ethics hours, with half the credits earned via live or interactive programming and limited carryover allowed.

In Wisconsin, CLE “counts” when the activity is approved by the Board of Bar Examiners under SCR Chapter 31 and meets format and content rules (e.g. live, on-demand, teaching, writing).

Wisconsin lawyers must earn 30 credit hours every two years, including 3 hours in Ethics..

Approved CLE Activities & Formats

• Live or interactive programs (in-person, live webcasts, telephone seminars) — required

No — Wisconsin’s CLE rules do not require a specific number of in-person classroom hours.

The rules require a total of 30 approved CLE hours per reporting period, with limits on recorded formats, but no dedicated “in-person only” minimum.

Details

• Under SCR 31.02, attorneys must complete 30 hours of approved CLE during each two-year reporting period.
• SCR 31.05(5)(a)

Inactive attorneys in Wisconsin are exempt from fulfilling CLE requirements.

When transferring back to active status, they may need to complete CLE catch-up depending on how long they remained inactive.

Details

• Wisconsin’s membership rules designate inactive members as those who request the status and are not engaged in law

Wisconsin attorneys must complete 30 CLE credit hours every two years, including 3 hours in ethics.

At least 15 hours of the required 30 must be earned through “live” formats (in-person, live webcast, interactive programs).

Details

• Reporting cycle: two years, aligned with year of admission (even-year admittees comply in even years; odd-year

If you miss Wisconsin’s CLE deadline, your CLE report will incur a $100 late fee, and failure to timely file or establish compliance may lead to consequences under SCR 31.13. Attorneys must complete required credits by January 31 and file their CLE Form 1 by February 1.

Wisconsin CLE Deadline & Reporting

• January 31: Deadline for completing CLE hours for the reporting period.
• February 1: Deadline to electronically file CLE Form 1 with the Board of Bar Examiners.

Late-Fee Assessment & Noncompliance

• A $100 late fee is assessed for failing to file timely or to demonstrate compliance via a valid exemption.
• If a submitted report or correction does not establish compliance, or if no amendment is timely filed, the late fee still applies.
• Persistent noncompliance may result in further disciplinary referral or administrative consequences under the Supreme Court’s rules (SCR 31).

Key Takeaway: In Wisconsin, missing the CLE reporting deadline costs a $100 late fee, and ongoing failure to comply or amend your report may expose you to additional discipline under SCR 31.

Yes — under Wisconsin’s CLE rules, you can request an extension of time for completion or reporting in cases of hardship or other compelling reasons. SCR Chapter 31 expressly gives the Board authority to “extend time deadlines for completion of attendance and reporting requirements” in hardship or compelling-reason cases.

Wisconsin CLE Requirements & Deadlines

• Active attorneys must complete 30 hours of approved CLE every two years, including 3 hours in ethics and professional responsibility.
• Courses must be completed by December 31 of the reporting year, with a practical grace period to January 31.
• Lawyers must file CLE Form 1 (report) by February 1 following the reporting period.
• If you miss the deadline, a late fee (typically $100) is assessed.

Authority & Procedure for Extensions / Waivers

• SCR 31.12 empowers the Board to “extend time deadlines for completion of attendance and reporting requirements in cases of hardship or for other compelling reasons.”
• SCR 31.12 also allows waivers of attendance or reporting “where to do otherwise would work an injustice.”
• Under SCR 31.09, lawyers may submit “written requests … for … extensions of time” and the Board must respond in writing.

What You Should Do

1. Identify and document the hardship or compelling reason preventing timely compliance (e.g. serious illness, natural disaster).
2. Draft a written extension request citing SCR 31.12, explaining your situation, steps taken, and proposed extension timeline.
3. Submit the request to the Board of Bar Examiners (Wisconsin) before or right after your deadline.
4. Continue earning CLE credits (or plan to do so) while awaiting decision, because an extension does not necessarily pause obligations.
5. If approved, adhere to any new schedule or conditions the Board sets.

Limitations & Considerations

• The extension is discretionary — approval is not assured.
• You must show compelling reasons or hardship; ordinary delays or oversight may not qualify.
• The Board may impose conditions (e.g. additional CLE, deadlines) along with the extension.
• Filing a request does not automatically suspend penalties or stay suspension unless the Board specifically grants that relief.
• Even with an extension, you must ultimately satisfy all CLE and reporting requirements or face suspension under SCR 31.10.

Key Takeaway
In Wisconsin, attorneys may request an extension of time for CLE completion or reporting under SCR 31.12 for hardship or compelling reasons — file a prompt, well-documented request with the Board of Bar Examiners, but relief is discretionary and not guaranteed.

The grace period for CLE reporting in Wisconsin extends to January 31 after the December 31 compliance deadline. Attorneys must complete CLE credits by December 31, but may submit them without penalty through January 31 (reporting is due February 1).

Key Deadlines:

• CLE credits must be earned by December 31 of the reporting period.
• Attorneys have until January 31 to finalize credits before penalties apply.
• CLE reports must be submitted to the Board of Bar Examiners by February 1.

Consequences of Missing the Grace Period:

• A late filing fee may be imposed if the report is submitted after February 1.
• Noncompliance may lead to suspension until CLE obligations are met.

Key Takeaway: Wisconsin gives attorneys an extra month after December 31 (until January 31) to finish CLE credits, with reporting due by February 1 to avoid penalties.

Yes — under Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Rules (SCR Chapter 31), some attorneys are exempt from all or part of the CLE attendance requirement.

Specifically, lawyers in their admission year and lawyers who do not practice law in Wisconsin during a reporting period are exempt from CLE attendance (though some reporting or partial obligations may still apply).

Details / Exceptions

• Admission Year Exemption: A lawyer is exempt from both CLE attendance and reporting in the year they are

You report CLE credits in Wisconsin by filing CLE Form 1 (Report of Compliance) electronically with the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) by February 1 following your reporting period’s December 31 deadline.
Wisconsin lawyers complete 30 CLE credits every two years (including 3 ethics credits) and then certify compliance via the BBE’s CLE Reporting Website.

Overview of Wisconsin CLE Reporting

• The reporting period ends December 31 of the year matching your admission parity (even-admitted attorneys report in even years, odd-admitted in odd years).
• All CLE hours must be earned by December 31; you then have until February 1 to submit your report.
• At least 3 credits must be in legal ethics/professional responsibility, and those ethics credits must be in “live” formats (live classes, webinars, etc.), not on-demand.
• A maximum of 15 credits may be earned via on-demand programs in a reporting period.
• You may carry forward up to 15 excess credits (excluding ethics) into your next reporting period.
• Except in the year of admission (when attorneys are exempt), all active lawyers must report.

Steps to Report CLE in Wisconsin

1. Complete your 30 CLE credits (including 3 ethics) by December 31 of your reporting period.
2. Retain all certificates, agendas, provider names, dates, and any approval notices.
3. Log into the Wisconsin CLE Reporting Website (through the BBE’s site).
4. Use the “Add Course Hours” feature to search and add BBE-approved courses you attended.
5. If a course is not listed or is out-of-state, use the “Self-Report,” “GPA Self Report,” or “Out-of-State Self Report” links and, if needed, complete CLE Form 2 (Request for Approval) for that course.
6. If you’re claiming an exemption (non-practice in Wisconsin, waiver, or comity), use the appropriate link (Attendance Exemption, Attendance Waiver, Comity Exemption).
7. After entering all courses, go to “Summary / Submit,” electronically sign by entering your PIN, and submit CLE Form 1 (Report of Compliance).
8. The system timestamps your submission; after submission, you cannot change the report for that period.
9. If audited later, be ready to provide your supporting documentation (certificates, etc.).
10. If you earned credits through Sprout Education, ensure those attendance records are entered or approved before you certify your report.

Key Takeaway: In Wisconsin, you must complete 30 CLE credits (including 3 in live ethics) every two years by December 31, then electronically submit CLE Form 1 to the BBE by February 1. Sprout Education ensures your attendance is properly documented; you must still enter or approve courses and certify compliance on time.