Continuing legal education (CLE) is more than just a professional checkbox—it’s a non-negotiable requirement for practicing lawyers in most states. Most U.S. jurisdictions require lawyers to complete a specific number of continuing legal education (CLE) credits each reporting period (typically annually). These credits can be earned through a variety of formats, including courses, webinars, or even legal conferences. The content of these trainings often covers topics like legal ethics, practice management, and emerging areas of law.
Yet, while CLE is mandatory and critical for maintaining professional standards, lawyers often struggle to fit in their CLE hours into their highly stressful and demanding workloads. That’s where the best online resources for continuing legal education come in—offering convenient, flexible options to meet your requirements without adding unnecessary stress.
Fortunately, online courses for CLE are more accessible than ever. These modern digital options can bring increased flexibility, broader access, and multi-jurisdiction support, making it easier to meet CLE requirements without disrupting your workflow.
In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for in a quality online CLE provider and highlight top online platforms that make it easy to earn continuing legal education credits without sacrificing quality or overloading your already-packed schedule.
Did you know you can earn free CLE credits with Clio’s online courses? Explore our CLE resources page to find upcoming opportunities and fulfill your continuing legal education requirements—for free!
How many CLE credits do I need each year?
The number of CLE credits required each year varies by state and factors like experience, but most jurisdictions mandate between 10 and 16 credit hours annually. Always check your state bar’s specific requirements for the exact requirements to ensure compliance.
What to look for in a quality online CLE provider
When it comes to CLE providers, the right fit will depend on your specific needs, such as your practice area, jurisdiction, preferred learning style, and budget. But not all online CLE platforms are created equal. With so many options available, it’s important to know what sets a great provider apart from one that wastes your time or misses the mark on quality content.
Your online CLE provider evaluation guide
- Is it accredited in your jurisdiction? Some providers are only accredited in select states. Ensure that any courses you’re considering are approved by your state bar to ensure it will count towards your CLE credit requirements.
- Is there a variety of courses and topics? A strong CLE provider should offer a robust course library that covers everything from required ethics credits to practice-specific topics relevant to your area of law.
- Is the content relevant and current? Look for content that reflects current legal issues and trends. For example, courses covering ethics updates, emerging practice areas, and timely topics (e.g. the role of AI in the legal industry) can help you stay ahead.
- Is the platform user-friendly? The best online CLE platforms are intuitive, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. Features like progress tracking and downloadable completion certificates can significantly improve your user experience.
- Can you access courses on demand? Flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of online CLE. Make sure the platform offers on-demand access so you can complete courses anytime and from anywhere.
- How are the provider’s reputation and reviews? Just like your clients check your reputation, it’s smart to review what other lawyers say about a CLE provider. Look for trusted names in the legal space with strong reviews and positive lawyer testimonials.
- Is the pricing fair and within your budget? Whether free, pay-per-course, or subscription-based, CLE pricing should be transparent and aligned with your budget.
What is the best online CLE provider for multi-state credits?
When seeking multi-state credits, the best online CLE providers are accredited in multiple jurisdictions and offer nationwide course libraries. Always confirm each course’s accreditation in your specific state bar before enrolling.
Top 7 online platforms for CLE credits
Here are some of the best online platforms where lawyers can find accredited CLE courses to meet their ongoing education requirements.
Clio’s online CLE courses
Clio’s hub of online CLE courses offers a free and accessible way to meet CLE requirements, with new webinars hosted every month. Delivered online and open to all (not just Clio users), these CLE-eligible sessions feature experts discussing emerging legal topics, best practices for running a law firm, and advances in legal technology.
See Clio’s upcoming CLE-eligible events and see which states have accepted credits from Clio’s free CLE events.
Pros:
- Free access to CLE-eligible webinars
- Open to everyone: no need to be a Clio customer
- Convenient and accessible online format
Cons:
- Smaller number of courses compared to subscription platforms
Cost: Free
Ideal for: Lawyers looking for affordable (free!), practical CLE with a focus on emerging legal topics, legal tech, and practice management.
Lawline
Lawline offers a library of more than 2,000 expert-led online courses across a wide range of legal topics and practice areas. Its intuitive platform features progress tracking, downloadable certificates, and a mobile app.
Pros:
- Extensive course library across multiple practice areas
- Instant certificates simplify credit tracking and reporting
- User-friendly interface with mobile app access
Cons:
- Access to premium courses limited in lower-tier plans
Cost: Paid subscription starting at $229 per year for Essentials (10-day free trial available)
Ideal for: Lawyers who want unlimited, on-demand CLE access across multiple practice areas and jurisdictions.
CeriFi LegalEdge (formerly West LegalEdcenter)
With over two decades of providing legal education, CeriFi LegalEdge, formerly known as West LegalEdcenter, is a leading CLE platform offering an extensive catalog of live and on-demand courses tailored for lawyers and other legal professionals.
Pros:
- Extensive library of online CLE programs
- Content covering more than 35 practice areas and 200 subspecialties
Cons:
- Platform feels tailored to mid-to-large law firms and corporate legal departments
Cost: Paid subscriptions starting at $299 per year for Core
Ideal for: Law firms seeking comprehensive, multi-state professional development and CLE content.
LexisNexis® CLE
With industry expert-led online courses for continuing legal education, LexisNexis® CLE On-Demand provides 24/7 access to online programming.
Pros:
- Extensive library of hundreds of hours of online CLE content
- New classes added monthly, covering a range of core and emerging topics
Cons:
- Annual subscription pricing is on the higher end
Cost: Paid subscriptions for $480 for a one-year unlimited subscription to programs in the General Catalog of the LexisNexis CLE On-Demand library.
Ideal for: Legal professionals seeking comprehensive, on-demand CLE content across multiple practice areas, particularly those requiring multi-jurisdictional accreditation.
National Academy of Continuing Legal Education (NACLE)
The National Academy of Continuing Legal Education (NACLE) offers cost-effective and time-efficient CLE options across 39 practice areas and course categories through options like on-demand courses, live webinars, and customizable compliance bundles.
Pros:
- Flexible delivery formats including online, mobile app, live webinars, CDs, DVDs, and USB
- Dedicated CLE managers available for assistance
- Free customizable CLE tracker to help keep records of courses and credits
Cons:
- Annual subscription pricing is on the higher end
Cost: Paid options for state-specific bundles, customized packages, and unlimited CLE subscriptions. Pricing varies by jurisdiction. Free 7-day trial available.
Ideal for: Lawyers who value flexible learning formats and those who want bundled CLE packages tailored to specific state requirements.
ABA Continuing Legal Education (ABACLE)
The American Bar Association’s CLE platform, now accessible via the ABA Learning Center, offers high-quality CLE across a broad range of relevant topics and practice areas. ABA members especially benefit from free or discounted access to hundreds of courses, including live virtual events and on-demand programs designed to meet nationwide CLE requirements.
Pros:
- Extensive catalog covering numerous legal topics and practice areas
- Free or discounted CLE courses included with ABA membership
- User-friendly portal for accessing programs and tracking CLE progress
Cons:
- Non-member pricing for individual courses can be higher than other providers
Cost: Paid; discounted rates available for ABA members; hundreds of free CLE programs for ABA members
Ideal for: Legal professionals seeking a wide range of CLE topics and ABA members looking to maximize their membership benefits through access to free and discounted CLE programs.
Practising Law Institute (PLI)
With a focus on legal education since 1933, the Practising Law Institute (PLI) is a nonprofit organization offering a wide range of in-person, on-demand, and live webcast CLE programs in 33 comprehensive practice areas.
Pros:
- Membership grants unlimited access library with more than 10,000 hours of on-demand content
- My Credit Tracker feature catalogs professional credits and lets users upload certificates
Cons:
- Higher annual membership pricing may be cost-prohibitive for solo practitioners and small firms
Cost: Paid; pricing varies based on the program and subscription type with Individual Membership at $3,495 per year.
Ideal for: Legal professionals seeking comprehensive, high-quality CLE content across multiple practice areas, particularly in specialized topics.
Bonus CLE resources for lawyers to explore
In addition to major online CLE providers like those listed above, you can find valuable CLE resources and opportunities in many other places. State bar CLE portals and local legal associations, for example, often offer affordable or free CLE programs tailored to regional rules and practice areas.
Don’t overlook alternative content formats available online, either. Podcasts, YouTube channels, and webinars can provide practical legal education. While not all offer official CLE credit, if your goal is to keep up with the latest changes in laws and the industry, these online resources can be excellent for staying current on legal trends, ethics updates, and professional development.
Again, just be sure to check your jurisdiction’s rules to confirm which formats qualify for CLE credit and to maximize your learning opportunities beyond traditional courses.
Free vs. paid CLE: Which options is right for you?
Not sure whether to choose free or paid online CLE? Whether you rely on free programs, invest in premium content, or use a mix of both throughout the year, the best option depends on your individual circumstances—such as your practice area, state licensing requirements, and budget.
With that said, here are some helpful general guidelines to help you choose.
Free CLE options
As we explore in more detail here, free CLE is often a smart way to fulfill general or ethics credit requirements, especially if you’re looking for practical, no-cost education.
Resources like Clio’s CLE Hub, your state bar association, and the ABA (for members) regularly offer no-cost CLE webinars and on-demand programs. These are ideal for staying compliant while keeping costs down.
Can I get free online CLE credits?
Yes, many CLE providers, such as Clio, offer free online CLE courses through live webinars or on-demand sessions. These free CLE options often meet state bar accreditation requirements, but availability may vary by jurisdiction, so be sure to check your specific state’s CLE rules.
Premium CLE options
If you need CLE that covers specialized legal topics, includes jurisdiction-specific compliance bundles, or offers multi-state accreditation, a paid provider may be worth the investment. For example, platforms like PLI and Lawline provide expansive course libraries and advanced features like credit tracking that are typically not available through free CLE sources.
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Tips for getting the most out of online CLE
Today’s online courses for CLE make it easier than ever to meet your credit requirements. But with a little planning and a strategic approach, CLE can become more than just a mandatory box to check: it can become a real driver of professional growth.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you get the most value from your CLE this year:
- Plan ahead. It’s not uncommon for busy lawyers to procrastinate on CLE, but waiting until the last minute limits your options and your learning. Instead, invest a bit of time upfront to map out your deadlines, schedule CLEs in advance, and register early for webinars or compliance bundles, especially if you need jurisdiction-specific credits.
- Track your credits across states. If you’re licensed in multiple jurisdictions, be sure to keep organized records of completed courses and credit hours. You can track this manually or take advantage of the built-in credit tracking tools offered by many CLE platforms.
- Choose your courses strategically. Use CLE as a chance to build skills that align with your long-term goals. Prioritize topics in emerging areas like AI, cybersecurity, legal tech, and ethics—not just what’s required, but what will keep you ahead of the curve.
- Focus on client value. As a client-centered lawyer, you always aim to keep your clients at the center of your thinking. With this in mind, choose CLE programs that help you serve your clients more effectively, whether that’s staying on top of new legal developments, improving practice management, or sharpening your communication and negotiation skills.
- Make the most of on-demand and self-study options. These flexible formats let you learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, which is ideal for busy professionals trying to balance quality learning with limited time.
How do I choose the best CLE for my practice area?
Choose CLE courses that are accredited in your jurisdiction and offer content tailored to your specific practice area. Look for providers with a wide variety of relevant topics, up-to-date material, and flexible formats that fit your schedule.
Final thoughts on the best online resources for continuing legal education
Getting your continuing legal education credits doesn’t have to feel like a burden. With so many high-quality, convenient, and accessible online CLE courses, it’s easier than ever to find programs that meet your requirements while also supporting your professional growth and client service.
Whether you’re looking for free, practical courses or a comprehensive paid subscription, there’s a platform online that fits your goals, budget, and learning style.
If you’re not sure where to start, try something free and accessible, like a webinar from Clio’s free CLE Hub, and begin building a CLE strategy that works for you.
What CLE providers are legitimate, affordable (or free) and good?
Examples of top-rated CLE providers that are legitimate and affordable include Clio (which offers free CLE webinars), Lawline, Practising Law Institute (PLI), and the ABA. These platforms are widely accredited, trusted by legal professionals, and offer flexible pricing—from free to subscription-based.
What site do you use to complete CLE requirements?
Depending on their jurisdiction, lawyers commonly use sites like Clio, Lawline, PLI, and NACLE to complete their CLE requirements online. These platforms offer accredited, on-demand courses across multiple states and practice areas.
We published this blog post in June 2025. Last updated: .