Nebraska Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Nebraska CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	10 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours required each year
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 5 hours per year may be earned through distance learning
Compliance Period	January 1 – December 31 each year
Reporting Deadline	January 20 of the following year
Carryover Credit	Up to 5 general CLE hours may carry forward; ethics may not
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive or retired members, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Nebraska MCLE online portal

Overview

Nebraska attorneys must complete 10 CLE credit hours each calendar year, including 2 hours in ethics or professional responsibility. The compliance year runs from January 1 through December 31, and attorneys must report completion by January 20 of the following year through the Nebraska MCLE online portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 10 total CLE hours required annually
• Of the 10 hours, 2 must be in ethics or professional responsibility
• Up to 5 hours may be earned through accredited on-demand or distance learning programs
• The remaining hours must be from live or interactive activities
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit through teaching, writing, or bar-related educational programs
• All CLE courses must be approved by the Nebraska Supreme Court MCLE Commission

Compliance Period

• CLE compliance period runs from January 1 to December 31
• All required credits must be completed by December 31
• Reports must be filed with the MCLE Commission by January 20 of the following year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE compliance through the Nebraska MCLE online portal
• Accredited providers often report attendance, but attorneys are responsible for verifying accuracy
• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE by the deadline will receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A $50 late fee applies for late filings

Carryover Rules

• Up to 5 general CLE hours may carry forward to the next reporting year
• Ethics or professional responsibility credits cannot be carried over

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt for the remainder of the calendar year in which they are admitted
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must complete CLE for any missed period
• Waivers or extensions may be granted by the Commission for good cause

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE activities must be accredited by the Nebraska MCLE Commission
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing or publishing legal materials
  • Participation in bar educational activities
• Out-of-state CLE accredited by another jurisdiction may qualify upon submission for approval
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 4 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to comply or report CLE will receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A 30-day grace period may be granted with a $50 late fee
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension
• Reinstatement requires completion of deficient hours, proof of compliance, and payment of fees

How to Report CLE in Nebraska

1. Complete 10 CLE hours, including 2 ethics hours, by December 31
2. Log into the Nebraska MCLE online portal
3. Review your CLE transcript for accuracy
4. Submit your compliance certification by January 20
5. Retain attendance records and certificates for audit

Nebraska CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Nebraska?

10 hours annually, including 2 hours in ethics or professional responsibility.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 5 hours per year may be earned through accredited on-demand or distance learning programs.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 5 general hours may carry forward, but ethics hours cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in Nebraska?

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

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll receive a notice of noncompliance and may face suspension if deficiencies aren’t corrected.

Can teaching or writing count toward CLE?

Yes. Teaching or publishing legal materials can qualify for CLE credit with prior approval.

Nebraska CLE Resources

• Nebraska MCLE Commission: https://mcle.nebraska.gov/
• CLE Rules and Regulations: https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/mcle
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://mcle.nebraska.gov/
• Nebraska Judicial Branch CLE FAQs: https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/mcle/faqs