Of the 24 required CLE credits, 2 credits must be specifically in the area of ethics and professional responsibility. This requirement emphasizes the importance of ethical practice and professional conduct in the legal profession.
Wisconsin attorneys must complete 24 CLE credits every two years during their reporting period. This requirement helps ensure that attorneys remain informed about legal developments and maintain their competency to practice law.
Attending an approved legal seminar is a common way for Wisconsin attorneys to earn CLE credits. Activities like volunteering or drafting legal documents may be beneficial to an attorney’s practice but do not typically qualify for CLE credit unless part of an approved educational program.
Wisconsin attorneys are allowed to carry over up to 10 excess CLE credits to the next reporting period. However, ethics credits cannot be carried over and must be completed separately in each reporting period.
If a Wisconsin attorney fails to complete the required CLE credits, they may be placed on inactive status by the Board of Bar Examiners. This means they cannot practice law until they complete the necessary credits and have their status restored to active.
