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Dedicated CLE Manager
Online, iOS/Android, CD/DVD/USB
Free Customized CLE Tracker
Accreditation and CLE Rules for Illinois
The National Academy of Continuing Legal Education is an Accredited CLE Provider in Illinois.
Illinois attorneys are required to take 30 credit hours every 2 years including 6 professional responsibility credits. Of the 6 professional responsibility hours at least 1 must be in diversity and inclusion, and at least 1 must be in mental health and substance abuse.
Illinois attorneys can earn all 30 CLE credit hours with us including 4 credit hour of Ethics, 1 credit hour of Diversity and Inclusion and 1 credit hour in Mental Health and Substance Abuse using our DVDs, Audio CDs, USB Stick, Online, and iOS/Android App courses.
Experienced Illinois attorneys are divided into two compliance groups. Attorneys with last names that start with the letters A through M are due on June 30th of even numbered years. Attorneys with last names that start with the letters N through Z are due on June 30th of odd numbered years.
We promptly report your CLE attendance to the Illinois MCLE Board and pay the associated fees.
Newly Admitted attorneys in Illinois must complete 15 total credit hours in their first year of admission. This requirement consists of 6 credits of Basic Skills course that have been directly approved by the MCLE Board to meet the special Basic Skills requirement. Newly Admitted attorneys can fulfill their entire requirement with us, including Basic Skills credits, using our DVDs, Audio CDs, USB Stick, Online, and iOS/Android App formats. The deadline to complete these newly admit requirements is one year after your date of admission on the last day of the month (S. Ct. Rule 793(b)).
The MCLE Board of the Supreme Court of Illinois
200 West Madison Street
Suite 2040
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(t) 312-924-2420 http://www.mcleboard.org/
So You Think You Want to Be a Criminal Defense Lawyer? A Practical Guide from First Meeting to Final Plea
MCLE Courses Available on DVDs, Audio CDs, USB Stick, Online & iOS/Android App!
Total
Credits
2
- 2.4
$100
Choose Your State
Admitted in more than one state? Choose one of your licensed states to purchase your CLE and you can request credit in additional states during checkout.
LIVE WEBINAR
May 4
Monday, May 4, 2026
11:00AM - 1:00PM Eastern Time (EDT)
About This Course
This CLE program offers a practical, step-by-step overview of a criminal case from the defense perspective, beginning with the initial client interview and ending with plea negotiations and final deadlines. The course covers key stages including bail and first appearances, discovery, speedy trial issues, affirmative defenses, pre-trial motions, and scheduling orders, with an emphasis on real-world decision-making and case management. Designed for newer attorneys and those transitioning into criminal defense, this program focuses on what defense lawyers actually do at each phase of representation and how early choices can shape the outcome of a case.
Total
Credits
2
- 2.4
$100
Choose Your State
Admitted in more than one state? Choose one of your licensed states to purchase your CLE and you can request credit in additional states during checkout.
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Dedicated CLE Manager
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