Iowa Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Iowa’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Rules govern the educational credits attorneys must earn in order to maintain an active law license.
Iowa CLE Credit Requirements
Total CLE Credits
Iowa attorneys must obtain 15 CLE credits each year. Attorneys must obtain a minimum of two (2) hours of CLE credit in Legal Ethics every two years. Iowa has determined 60-minutes of class time equals one hour of CLE credit.
Online CLE Credits
Iowa attorneys may earn their CLE credits online. Attorneys cannot earn more than six (6) of their 15 CLE credits from online courses.
Newly Admitted Attorneys (By Bar Exam) – Basic Skills Course Requirement
Attorneys who are newly admitted by bar exam in Iowa must take a Basic Skills Professionalism Course within one year of admission. Attorneys who are Admitted on Motion in Iowa are not required to take the course. The CLE hours earned through the Basic Skills Course count towards the yearly CLE credit requirement. Approved courses include at least eight (8) hours of instruction on Iowa law with one (1) hour on Legal Ethics. Failing to take the class during the first year of admission may result in suspension.
Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from the CLE requirement for the remainder of the year in which they were admitted.
Carry-Over Credits
Iowa attorneys may carry-over up to 30 extra CLE credits to the following two years. Excess Legal Ethics credits may also be carried-over for the following two years.
Iowa CLE Reporting and Transcripts
Iowa’s CLE reporting period is one year. The CLE compliance period ends December 31. Attorneys must report their CLE credits by March 1. Iowa attorneys may report their CLE credits and check their CLE transcripts on the Iowa Judicial Branch’s website.
Iowa CLE Waivers and Exemptions
Primary Practice Outside of Iowa
Attorneys licensed in Iowa, but who are not practicing law in Iowa, may request a waiver from Iowa’s CLE requirements.
General Exemptions
None.
Waivers
Attorneys may be granted a waiver of the CLE requirements for hardship or extenuating circumstances.
Penalties
Iowa attorneys who fail to satisfy the CLE requirement may have their licenses suspended. Attorneys failing to file the annual report must pay a $25 fee and those seeking reinstatement must pay a $50 fee.