New Jersey Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

New Jersey CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	24 credit hours every 2 years
Ethics / Professionalism	5 hours in ethics and professionalism (including 2 hours in diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias)
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 12 hours may be earned through on-demand or recorded programs
Compliance Period	2-year reporting cycle (based on birth year)
Reporting Deadline	Attorneys certify compliance on annual registration (every two years)
Carryover Credit	Up to 12 general hours (including 4 ethics) may carry forward
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, retired members, inactive attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-certify compliance via annual registration with the New Jersey Courts

Overview

New Jersey attorneys must complete 24 CLE credit hours every two years, including 5 hours in ethics and professionalism, of which 2 hours must focus on diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias. Attorneys are assigned to one of two compliance groups based on their birth year, and compliance is certified during annual registration.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 24 total CLE hours every 2 years
• Of those 24 hours, at least 5 must be in ethics/professionalism, including:
  • 2 hours in diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias
• Up to 12 hours may be completed through on-demand or recorded programs
• Remaining hours must be live, synchronous, or interactive
• CLE credit can be earned for teaching, publishing, or bar-related educational activities
• Courses must be approved by the New Jersey Board on Continuing Legal Education

Compliance Period

• Attorneys are assigned to compliance groups based on birth year:
  • Group 1: Attorneys born in odd-numbered years report in odd-numbered years
  • Group 2: Attorneys born in even-numbered years report in even-numbered years
• Each compliance cycle runs for two years
• All credits must be completed by December 31 of the reporting year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys certify CLE compliance on the annual registration statement filed with the New Jersey Courts
• CLE providers report attendance directly to the Board, but attorneys must maintain their own records for verification
• Attorneys must retain certificates of attendance for three years after the compliance period ends
• Failure to comply results in a Notice of Noncompliance and potential suspension

Carryover Rules

• Up to 12 general CLE hours may carry over into the next two-year cycle
• Up to 4 of those hours may be in ethics or professionalism (but not diversity/bias credits)

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys must complete 15 CLE hours of “New Attorney” courses within their first full compliance period (includes specific skills, ethics, and NJ practice topics)
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must complete CLE for any missed period
• Hardship waivers or extensions may be granted by the CLE Board for illness, military service, or other circumstances

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the New Jersey Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education
• Out-of-state CLE courses approved by another MCLE jurisdiction may be submitted for reciprocal approval
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit through:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing or publishing legal materials
  • Participation in bar or committee educational programs
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to meet CLE requirements receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A 60-day grace period may be provided to cure deficiencies
• Continued noncompliance results in administrative suspension by the New Jersey Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, proof of compliance, and payment of fees

How to Report CLE in New Jersey

1. Complete 24 CLE hours, including 5 in ethics (with 2 in diversity/bias), within your two-year cycle
2. Log into your New Jersey Attorney Online Registration account
3. Certify compliance when submitting your annual registration statement
4. Retain CLE certificates for at least 3 years in case of audit

New Jersey CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in New Jersey?

24 hours every 2 years, including 5 in ethics/professionalism and 2 in diversity and inclusion.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 12 hours per cycle may be earned through on-demand or recorded programs.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 12 general and 4 ethics hours may carry forward, but diversity/bias credits cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in New Jersey?

Newly admitted attorneys (for the first year until their first reporting period), inactive or retired members, and judges.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You may receive a notice of noncompliance and face administrative suspension if deficiencies are not cured.

What are the “New Attorney” requirements?

Newly admitted attorneys must complete 15 CLE hours focusing on NJ practice, procedure, ethics, and professional skills.

New Jersey CLE Resources

• NJ Board on Continuing Legal Education: https://www.njcourts.gov/attorneys/cle
• CLE Rules (Rule 1:42): https://www.njcourts.gov/attorneys/cle-rules
• Attorney Registration Portal: https://www.njcourts.gov/attorneys/attorney-registration
• CLE FAQs: https://www.njcourts.gov/attorneys/cle-faqs