Arizona CLE Requirements
Arizona attorneys must complete 15 CLE credit hours every educational year (July 1–June 30), with at least 3 hours in professional responsibility (legal ethics, professionalism, malpractice prevention, etc.).
Key Points:
- Professional Responsibility Credit: Minimum 3 hours required.
- Reporting Cycle: Credits must be completed by June 30 and reported annually.
- Self-Study: Up to 5 hours may be claimed as self-study per year.
- Specialists: Must complete additional advanced-level CLE in their specialty area.
- Exemptions: Inactive and retired members, recent admittees, and certain out-of-state attorneys may be exempt (see Rule 45(b)).
How to Track & Report Arizona CLE Credits
- Arizona attorneys must file a MCLE affidavit annually to demonstrate compliance—file online (preferred) or request a PDF for paper filing if needed.
- Filing deadline: Submit by September 15 each year for the prior cycle.
- The State Bar does not accredit or track CLE credits except for its own courses—attorneys must keep certificates and supporting documentation for all credits claimed.
- Trial Guides interactive CLE courses are designed to meet Arizona MCLE standards. See eligible courses.
Special Rules: Out-of-State Programs & Reciprocity
- Arizona does not approve individual programs or providers. Attorneys must verify that courses meet Arizona MCLE guidelines before claiming hours.
- CLE taken outside Arizona or with out-of-state providers may qualify if the content meets Arizona’s requirements.
- Specialists must complete CLE in relevant areas of expertise as required by Arizona Supreme Court rules.
Qualifying Professional Responsibility Topics
Topics that qualify for the professional responsibility credit include:
- Legal ethics
- Professionalism
- Malpractice prevention
- Substance abuse (causes, detection, treatment)
- Attorney’s fees
- Client development
- Law office economics and practice
- Litigation alternatives for conflict management
- Stress management
Arizona CLE Provider & Course Standards
- CLE programs must be organized, substantial, and designed for attorneys to increase their professional competence.
- Programs must follow a substantive agenda and include practical written materials or exercises.
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Interactive CLE includes:
- In-person events attended by 5+ attorneys (including presenters)
- Real-time webcasts, webinars, or teleconferences with Q&A
- Online courses with interactive prompts or built-in attention checks.
- Self-study: Computer-based CLE lacking interactivity counts toward self-study (limited to 5 hours/year).
Key Arizona CLE Deadlines
- Complete 15 credits (including 3 professional responsibility): By June 30 annually
- Submit MCLE affidavit: By September 15 annually
- Self-study credit limit: Maximum 5 hours/year
- Specialist credit: Advanced CLE in specialty area required
- Retention: Attorneys must keep records/certificates for audit purposes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I earn all 15 Arizona CLE hours through online programs?
Interactive online programs are accepted; up to 5 hours may be self-study.
Q: Does Arizona accredit CLE providers or specific programs?
No—attorneys verify programs meet Arizona MCLE standards themselves.
Q: What counts as interactive CLE in Arizona?
Live in-person events, real-time webinars/webcasts with Q&A, or online courses with random attention checks or code verifications.
Q: How do specialists meet their CLE requirement?
Specialists must complete 12 hours in their field and 3 hours of professional responsibility each year.
Complete your 12 hours of Arizona MCLE credit today
- Complete all 15 required hours on your schedule
- Live interactive webinars & convenient on-demand sessions that meet Arizona standards
- Certificates available for your records and MCLE affidavit filing
Trial Guides programs designed as “On-Demand CLE” are designed to fit the interactivity requirements to claim interactive Arizona CLE. Click Here to see a list of courses.