Guide to Missouri CLE Requirements
1. Annual Credit Minimums
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15 hours of CLE are required every reporting year (July 1 to June 30)
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Of those 15 hours:
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3 hours must be accredited ethics, professionalism, or malpractice prevention
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1 of those 3 hours must focus on elimination of bias, diversity, or cultural competency
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2. Formats: Live vs. Self-Study
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Minimum of 9 live or live-webinar hours.
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Up to 6 hours of self-study (on-demand CLE) allowed, but not applicable to specialty ethics/bias credits must be taken via live courses
3. Timing: Deadlines & Reporting
- June 30 annually: Complete all 15 CLE hours
- July 31 annually: File your CLE report
Annual reports are submitted online via The Missouri Bar: My MCLE → Report My MCLE (mobar.org).
4. Carryover Credits
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Excess live credits (not self-study) can carry over—up to 15 hours.
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Ethics carryover max: 3 hours; bias carryover max: 1 hour
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Note: self-study credits do not carry over .
5. Newly Admitted Attorneys
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Exempt from CLE reporting in the year of admission
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CLE obligation begins in the next full July 1–June 30 cycle
7. Non-Compliance, Extensions & Fees
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Missed hours? File a deficiency plan (July 1–31). Must complete CLE by Sept 30 .
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Missed filing? Non-filers get a $200 fee, increasing $50/month up to $500 .
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Failure to comply by following March 1 → suspension of practice
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Hardship accommodations available for disability, military service, etc., with advance request .
Why It Matters for Attorneys
Staying compliant isn’t just a checkbox—it ensures you're grounded in ethics, bias awareness, and professionalism. Annual skill updates help protect clients, reduce malpractice risk, and affirm your status in good standing.
Pro Tips & Action Plan
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Track progress year-round: Use Missouri Bar’s “My MCLE” portal.
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Balance course formats: Aim for ≥9 live hours, then supplement with self-study.
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Plan ahead for ethics/bias: Ensure at least one bias-focused live session.
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Use carryover: Strategically accumulate extra live ethics credits.
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Prepare during Q3: Get deficiency plans in by July 31 if needed.
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New admits: Maximize carryover in your exempt first year.
Wrapping Up
Missouri’s CLE system — 15 annual hours, a minimum of live credits, and mandatory ethics/bias training — is designed to foster both competence and fairness in the practice of law. Compliance deadlines (June 30 for credits, July 31 for filing) are strict and peers know who lags behind via published disclosure.
By planning early and mixing formats, attorneys can meet their requirements efficiently, avoid penalties, and continue serving clients with confidence. Browse our Missouri CLE packages and courses today!
Author’s Note:
Facts are current as of June 2025. For full rules and updates, see Rule?15 and Regulations of Missouri Supreme Court via The Missouri Bar.