This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.
Lawyers who fall under these rules have to keep learning even after they pass the bar. Each year, they need to complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing legal education, often called CLE. This can mean attending classes in person or using another approved way to get the same credit without physically attending.
This requirement started on January 1, 1986, and it applies every calendar year after that. The goal is simple: lawyers must keep learning about the law every single year, not just when they first get licensed.
For someone hiring or working with a lawyer, this rule means their attorney is required to stay current on legal topics through ongoing education. It helps make sure lawyers keep their knowledge fresh throughout their careers, not just when they started practicing law.
