Minnesota Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Minnesota CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	45 credit hours every 3 years
Ethics / Professionalism	3 hours in ethics and 2 hours in elimination of bias per 3-year cycle
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, on-demand, or self-study (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 30 hours per 3-year period
Compliance Period	3-year cycle (based on assigned category)
Reporting Deadline	August 31 of the attorney’s reporting year
Carryover Credit	Up to 15 hours may carry over to the next cycle (ethics and bias may not)
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive/retired members, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Minnesota CLE Board online portal

Overview

Minnesota attorneys must complete 45 CLE credit hours every 3 years, including 3 hours in ethics and 2 hours in elimination of bias. Attorneys are assigned to one of three compliance groups based on their admission date, with reporting due August 31 of the reporting year.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 45 CLE hours every 3 years
• Specialty requirements include:
  • 3 hours in ethics or professional responsibility
  • 2 hours in elimination of bias in the legal profession
• Courses may be completed live, via webcast, or through accredited on-demand/self-study programs
• Attorneys may also earn credit for teaching CLE, publishing, or participating in bar association educational activities
• All CLE activities must be accredited by the Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education

Compliance Period

• Attorneys are assigned to one of three reporting groups based on their year of admission:
  • Category 1: Report in 2024 and every third year thereafter
  • Category 2: Report in 2025 and every third year thereafter
  • Category 3: Report in 2026 and every third year thereafter
• Compliance periods run for 3 years and end on June 30 of the reporting year
• Reports are due by August 31 of the same year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys report CLE through the Minnesota CLE Board online portal
• Providers often report attendance, but attorneys must ensure accuracy on their CLE transcript
• The Board issues reminders and compliance summaries in advance of deadlines
• Attorneys who fail to report or complete CLE are subject to late fees and potential suspension

Carryover Rules

• Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward to the next 3-year reporting cycle
• Ethics and elimination of bias hours cannot carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt for the remainder of the CLE cycle in which they are admitted
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must complete any deficiencies from the prior period
• Hardship waivers or extensions may be granted by petition to the CLE Board

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the Minnesota State Board of CLE
• Out-of-state CLE programs accredited by another jurisdiction may be accepted for Minnesota credit
• Attorneys can also earn credit through:
  • Teaching CLE or law school courses
  • Writing and publishing legal articles
  • Participation in bar or educational committees
• On-demand or self-study credits are capped at 30 hours per reporting period

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• Failure to cure deficiencies by the extended deadline may lead to administrative suspension
• Reinstatement requires submission of proof of compliance and payment of reinstatement fees

How to Report CLE in Minnesota

1. Complete your required CLE hours by June 30 of your reporting year
2. Log in to the Minnesota CLE Board online reporting portal
3. Review your transcript and verify that all courses are properly recorded
4. Submit your compliance report by August 31
5. Retain attendance records and certificates for audit

Minnesota CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Minnesota?

45 hours every 3 years, including 3 hours in ethics and 2 hours in elimination of bias.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 30 hours may be earned through approved on-demand or self-study programs.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry over to the next reporting cycle, but ethics and bias hours cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in Minnesota?

Newly admitted attorneys, inactive or retired members, and judges.

What happens if I don’t complete or report my CLE?

You may incur late fees and risk administrative suspension until deficiencies are cured.

How do I know my reporting category?

Check your category assignment (1, 2, or 3) in the Minnesota CLE Board online portal.

Minnesota CLE Resources

• Minnesota CLE Board: https://www.cle.mn.gov/
• CLE Rules (Rule 2–9): https://www.cle.mn.gov/rules/
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.cle.mn.gov/attorney-login/
• CLE FAQs: https://www.cle.mn.gov/faq/