Virginia MCLE Requirements: Essential Guide for Attorneys

1. Total Credit Hours

Virginia attorneys must complete 12 MCLE credit hours during each reporting period, which runs November 1 – October 31

2. Specialty Credit Requirements

Within those 12 credits:

  • 2 hours must be in Ethics or Professionalism

  • 4 hours must be live-interactive (meaning real-time interaction via in-person, webinar, or telephone)

3. Formats: Live vs. Self-Study

  • At least 4 live-interactive hours are mandatory each cycle.

  • The remaining credits may be earned through on-demand, prerecorded, or distance programs.

  • Importantly, only up to 8 excess prerecorded credits (beyond the 12 needed) can be carried into the next cycle

4. Deadlines & Reporting

  • Completion Deadline: October 31

  • Reporting Deadline: Certificates must be submitted, and compliance certified, by mid-December (commonly stated as December 15 at 4:45p.m. ET; courses must be completed by October 31 to count)

5. Carryover Policy

  • Attorneys may carry up to 12 excess credits into the next period, including 2 excess Ethics/Professionalism hours.

  • Carryover of more than 8 prerecorded credits is not allowed, ensuring live hours remain current

6. Newly Admitted Lawyers

  • Exempt from MCLE during the reporting period in which they're first licensed.

  • New admittees must also complete a Professionalism Course within their first 12?months; this course counts toward the 12-hour MCLE requirement

7. Reporting Process

  • Credits are reported using course IDs from provider-issued certificates (Form 2).

  • Attorneys self-certify MCLE compliance through their Virginia Member Portal by the mid-December deadline

Why It Matters

Virginia’s MCLE framework ensures attorneys maintain essential ethics awareness and engage in interactive, current legal education. The balance of required live hours with flexible self-study supports professional competence and convenience.

Pro Tips for Virginia CLE Success

  1. Start early: Use the VSB portal to track live, ethics, and total hours.

  2. Prioritize live hours: Complete at least 4 early in your cycle.

  3. Don’t over-rely on self-study: Only 8 prerecorded hours can be carried forward.

  4. Plan ethics/professionalism credits: Secure 2 hours early to avoid year-end stress.

  5. New admittees: Enroll in the required professionalism course right away.

  6. Submit certificates timely: Enter course IDs well before mid-December deadline.

Browse our Virginia MCLE packages and courses today!

Author’s Note: This blog reflects Virginia MCLE rules as of June 2025. Be sure to consult Virginia Supreme Court MCLE Rule 1A:1, the Virginia State Bar MCLE regulations, and the official portal for any updates.