CLE Credits and Pro Bono Guide

Published on 30 July 2026 The Pro Bono Institute recently updated its CLE Credits and Pro Bono Guide, which provides an overview of how jurisdictions around the U.S. address pro bono services as a means to gain CLE credit.

Most jurisdictions in the U.S. require their licensed attorneys to earn a minimum number of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits per compliance period to maintain good standing with their jurisdiction’s bar association. Each jurisdiction makes its own determination about which programs are eligible for CLE credit. Typically, approved programs are classes with written course materials, contingent on their duration and content. In recent years, however, more states have permitted attorneys to earn some CLE credits through pro bono service.  There is much variation in the rules regarding pro bono service for CLE credit. The ABA encourages lawyers to complete an annual 50-hour goal of pro bono service. Per its February 2017 Report on the Model Rule for Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) and Comments, the ABA does not take a position on whether pro bono credits should be counted toward CLE credits.