Vermont CLE Requirements for Attorneys

Experienced Attorneys are those admitted to practice in Vermont for more than two years.

Experienced Attorneys in Vermont must complete at least 24 hours of approved CLE credits, including at least 2 in Ethics credits, 1 in Attorney Wellness, and 1 in Diversity and Inclusion every 2 years.

Experienced Attorneys in Vermont can complete their CLE requirements by taking continuing legal education courses that have been approved and accredited by the Vermont Judiciary. At least 12 credits must be via Moderated Programming or Non-Moderated Programming with Interactivity as a Key Component.

Moderated Programming:

• Live Webcasts/Webinars

• Live In-Person

• Satellite/Groupcast

• Teleseminar

• Video Replay

• Webcast/Webinar Replay

Non-Moderated Programming with Interactivity as a Key Component:

• Recorded On Demand Online

• Video or Audio File

• Video or Audio Tape

Non-Moderated Programming Without Interactivity: (max 6 per cycle)

• Any of the above formats that do not have interactivity built into the recording or delivery method.

Attorneys can complete all 24 credits on Lawline through any combination of Live Webcasts and On Demand courses. Our On Demand courses are considered Non-Moderated Programming with Interactivity as a Key Component in Vermont and our Live Webcasts are considered Moderated Programming.

Our Vermont course catalog can be found here.

Lawline is an accredited provider for Vermont.

Yes! Attorneys in Vermont can receive continuing legal education credit for the following activities (maximum 12 total credits per reporting period):

• Teaching.  CLE credit may be earned by teaching in accredited courses, except in instances where teaching is part of the attorney's regular job, such as full-time instruction at a law school or college. Credit is awarded at a rate of 1 CLE credit per 60 minutes of instruction, plus an additional 1 credit per 60 minutes of preparation time. One hour of actual preparation time will be allowed for each actual hour of approved teaching, up to a maximum of 5 hours of preparation time.

  • Up to 2 CLE credits may be earned per reporting period by presenting to non-lawyers formal education and/or informational programs that are designed to broaden public knowledge and understanding of the law and/or increase public support and respect for the legal system.

  • Attorneys cannot receive CLE credit for any teaching activity in which they are financially compensated, other than for out-of-pocket expenses.

• Writing. Attorneys in Vermont can earn CLE credit for non-paid scholarly writing and publication. Credits are awarded as follows:

  • 1,000 Published Words - 2.5 CLE credits

  • 3,000 Published Words - 5 CLE credits

  • Earned hours may be prorated among multiple authors.

• Service as Acting Judge. Attorneys can receive up to 3 CLE credits per reporting period for their service as acting judge.
  

• Reviewing Small Claims Cases in Superior Court. Attorneys can receive up to 3 CLE credits per reporting period for reviewing small claims cases in Superior Court. However, attorneys cannot claim 3 credits for this and an additional 3 credits for Service as Acting Judge for the same activity.

• Service as Judge at Moot Court. Attorneys can receive up to 2 CLE credits per reporting period.

• Volunteer Committee Work. Attorneys who volunteer with approved committees can receive up to 2 CLE credits per reporting period. Attorneys who act as members and associate members of the Board of Bar Examiners will receive up to 10 CLE credits for work on behalf of the Board.

• Service as Mentor in the Mentorship Program for Newly Admitted Attorneys. Experienced Attorneys who act as mentors in the Newly Admitted Attorney mentorship program can receive up to 5 CLE credits per reporting period.
  

Attorneys in Vermont must complete their CLE requirements every 2 years by June 30th. The year an attorney is due to complete all CLE credit requirements depends on their year of admission. For instance, an attorney admitted in 2022 would begin their first compliance period on their date of admission and would be due to complete their requirement June 30th, 2024. Thereafter, the attorney would be due to complete their CLE requirements every 2 years on June 30th.

Yes, attorneys in Vermont may carry over excess credits into the next compliance period if they are taken in the 2nd year of an attorney's requirement. 

Vermont attorneys can self-apply for course accreditation by filling out the form below:

Vermont Self Application Form 

MCLE Board 
111 State Street, Suite 9B 
Montpelier, VT 05609-0702
(802) 859-3000
JUD.AttyLicensing@vermont.gov
https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/

https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/attorneys/mandatory-continuing-legal-education

https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/sites/default/files/documents/900-00005_0.pdf

https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/sites/default/files/documents/Accredited%20Sponsors.pdf