New Hampshire Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

New Hampshire CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	12 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours in ethics or professional responsibility required each year
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, on-demand, or self-study (if accredited)
Compliance Period	June 1 – May 31 each year
Reporting Deadline	July 1 each year
Carryover Credit	Up to 12 general CLE hours may carry forward; ethics hours may not
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the NHMCLE Attorney Reporting Tool (ART)

Overview

The State of New Hampshire requires all active attorneys to complete 12 CLE credit hours each year, including at least 2 hours in ethics or professional responsibility. The CLE year runs from June 1 through May 31, and attorneys must report compliance by July 1 using the NHMCLE Attorney Reporting Tool (ART).

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 12 CLE hours required annually
• At least 2 hours must be in ethics or professional responsibility
• All other hours may be in general law or practice-related topics
• Programs may be completed live, via webinar, or through on-demand formats if accredited
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for teaching, publishing, or bar-related education activities
• CLE programs must be approved by the New Hampshire MCLE Board

Compliance Period

• CLE compliance year runs from June 1 through May 31
• Attorneys must complete all required credits by May 31
• Reporting is due by July 1 of the same year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the Attorney Reporting Tool (ART) on the NHMCLE website
• Providers may report attendance, but attorneys are responsible for ensuring their transcript accuracy
• The NHMCLE Board issues annual notices and reminders regarding compliance
• Attorneys who fail to report or complete CLE by July 1 will receive a notice of deficiency

Carryover Rules

• Up to 12 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next reporting year
• Ethics or professional responsibility hours cannot be carried forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt for the reporting year in which they are admitted
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must make up any deficiencies from prior periods
• Extensions or waivers may be granted by the Board for hardship or good cause

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the New Hampshire MCLE Board
• Out-of-state CLE courses accredited by another jurisdiction may be submitted for approval
• Attorneys may also earn credit for:
  • Teaching CLE or law school courses
  • Publishing legal materials
  • Participating in bar or committee educational programs
• Providers must retain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to comply or report CLE receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• Failure to cure deficiencies within 30 days results in a late fee and potential administrative suspension
• Reinstatement requires proof of compliance, payment of fees, and approval by the NH Supreme Court

How to Report CLE in New Hampshire

1. Complete 12 CLE hours, including 2 ethics hours, by May 31
2. Log into the NHMCLE Attorney Reporting Tool (ART)
3. Verify your CLE transcript and add missing activities if necessary
4. Submit your compliance certification by July 1
5. Retain attendance certificates and documentation for audit

New Hampshire CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in New Hampshire?

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

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Accredited webinars and on-demand courses are accepted.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 12 general hours may carry forward, but ethics hours cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in New Hampshire?

Newly admitted attorneys (first year), inactive or retired members, and judges.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll receive a notice of noncompliance and risk administrative suspension if deficiencies are not corrected.

Can teaching or writing count for CLE?

Yes. Teaching, writing, and participation in bar education programs can qualify for CLE credit.

New Hampshire CLE Resources

• New Hampshire MCLE Board: https://www.nhbar.org/mcle/
• Attorney Reporting Tool (ART): https://www.nhbar.org/mcle/attorney-reporting-tool/
• NH Supreme Court Rule 53: https://www.courts.nh.gov/our-courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules#rule53
• NHMCLE FAQs: https://www.nhbar.org/mcle/faq/