Illinois CLE Diversity & Inclusion
1 hour of diversity & inclusion credits every 2-year cycle. Essential education on bias awareness and inclusive legal practice.
Understanding the Diversity & Inclusion Requirement
The diversity & inclusion requirement is one of three professional responsibility sub-categories required by the Illinois Supreme Court. Within the 6-hour professional responsibility bucket, attorneys must complete 1 hour of approved diversity & inclusion education every 2-year cycle.
This requirement recognizes the importance of addressing implicit bias, promoting cultural competence, and ensuring access to justice across all communities. Courses in this category explore systemic barriers in the legal profession and provide strategies for building more inclusive legal practices.
The Illinois CLE Board recognizes courses that cover topics such as:
- Implicit & explicit bias in law practice
- Inclusive hiring and advancement practices
- Cultural competence and awareness
- Access to justice initiatives
- Representation of underrepresented groups in law
- Anti-discrimination in client relations
Topics That Qualify for Diversity & Inclusion Credit
Implicit Bias in Law
Cultural Competence
Inclusive Practices
Access to Justice
Underrepresented Groups
Anti-Discrimination
Illinois Diversity & Inclusion Courses
2 courses approved for IL Diversity/Inclusion credit
Other Illinois CLE Professional Responsibility Sub-Categories
Professional Responsibility
4 hours per 2-year cycle
Core legal ethics, attorney conduct standards, civility, sexual harassment prevention, and compliance with professional conduct rules.
View CoursesMental Health & Substance Abuse
1 hour per 2-year cycle
Attorney wellness, substance abuse prevention, stress management, and participation in approved mentoring programs.
View CoursesFrequently Asked Questions
Is the 1-hour diversity & inclusion course part of the professional responsibility requirement?
Yes. Illinois requires 6 hours of professional responsibility per 2-year cycle. Of those 6 hours, 1 hour must be devoted to diversity & inclusion topics.
What diversity & inclusion topics are covered?
Topics include bias in the legal profession, cultural competence, inclusive law practice, access to justice for underrepresented communities, and strategies for creating more equitable workplaces.
Can I take an online course to earn my diversity & inclusion credit?
Yes. TalksOnLaw offers online self-study courses that are accredited by the Illinois CLE Board and qualify for the 1-hour diversity & inclusion requirement.
How does the diversity & inclusion requirement fit into my overall CLE obligations?
The 1-hour diversity & inclusion course is one part of the 6-hour professional responsibility bucket. You also need 4 hours of professional responsibility and 1 hour of mental health & substance abuse, all within a 2-year reporting cycle.
Earn Your Diversity & Inclusion Credit
TalksOnLaw's accredited courses make it easy to fulfill the 1-hour diversity & inclusion requirement.