Georgia CLE Requirements: Essential Guide for Attorneys

1. Annual Credit Hours

  • 12 credit hours required annually per calendar year (January 1 – December 31)

2. Specialty Credit Breakdown

Within the 12 credits, attorneys must complete:

  • 1 hour in Ethics

  • 1 hour in Professionalism

  • 3 hours in Trial Practice (only required for trial attorneys)

3. Format Options

  • Georgia permits 100% distance learning, including on-demand, live webinars, audio/video programs

  • Full credit is granted via either live or self-study formats

4. Deadlines & Reporting

  • Complete all 12 credits by December 31 annually

  • A Grace Period until March 31 allows makeup credits—but the Annual Report is due January 31

  • Credits completed by December 31 count, but must be reported by January 31 following year

5. Carryover Policy

Attorneys may carry over unused credits into the next year, within specified limits:

  • 12 general credits

  • 2 Ethics credits

  • 2 Professionalism credits

  • 3 Trial Practice credits

6. Newly Admitted Attorneys

  • Must complete the Transition Into Law Practice Program (TILPP) during the year of admission or next calendar year

  • Completing TILPP satisfies the 12-hour requirement for both that year and the next

7. Compliance for Trial Attorneys

  • If you appear as sole/lead counsel in contested civil or criminal cases, you're required to complete 3 trial practice hours annually

Why Georgia’s CLE System Works

  • Annual cycle aligns well with active practice patterns.

  • Mandatory Ethics and Professionalism hours maintain professionalism standards.

  • Trial-hour requirement incentivizes practical courtroom skills.

  • Generous carryover and 100% distance options support busy and remote attorneys.

Pro Tips for Georgia CLE Success

  1. Track throughout the year—especially trial hours if you’re courtroom-active.

  2. Prioritize specialty credits early: secure Ethics & Professionalism before year's end.

  3. Leverage self-study flexibly, especially during busy seasons.

  4. Plan your carryover—if you're nearing the limit, make sure credits fit specialty caps.

  5. New admittees should enroll in the TILPP ASAP—it covers CLE for two years.

  6. Don't miss January 31 report date, even if credits are done—file on time.

Author’s Note: This blog reflects Georgia’s CLE rules as of June 2025. For full regulatory language, refer to the Georgia Commission on Continuing Lawyer Competency via the State Bar of Georgia