New Mexico Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

New Mexico CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	12 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours required each year
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, on-demand, or self-study (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 4 hours per year may be earned through self-study
Compliance Period	January 1 – December 31 each year
Reporting Deadline	February 1 of the following year
Carryover Credit	Up to 12 general hours may carry forward; ethics may not
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the New Mexico MCLE online portal

Overview

New Mexico attorneys must complete 12 CLE credit hours each year, including 2 hours in ethics or professionalism. The compliance period runs from January 1 through December 31, and attorneys must report completion by February 1 of the following year through the New Mexico MCLE online portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 12 total CLE hours required annually
• Of the 12 hours, 2 must be in ethics or professionalism
• Up to 4 hours per year may be earned through self-study programs (recorded, on-demand, or non-interactive formats)
• The remaining hours must come from live or interactive CLE programs
• Attorneys may earn additional CLE credit for teaching, publishing, or bar-related educational activities
• Courses must be accredited by the New Mexico Minimum Continuing Legal Education Board

Compliance Period

• The compliance period runs from January 1 through December 31 each year
• All CLE must be completed by December 31
• Attorneys must file compliance certification by February 1 of the following year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the New Mexico MCLE online portal
• CLE providers may report attendance, but attorneys are responsible for verifying their transcript accuracy
• The Board sends annual reminders and deficiency notices if required credits are not met
• Failure to comply results in a Notice of Noncompliance and late fees

Carryover Rules

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

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE requirements during the calendar year of admission
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must complete any missed CLE from the prior period
• Hardship waivers or extensions may be granted for illness, military service, or extenuating circumstances

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the New Mexico Minimum Continuing Legal Education Board
• Out-of-state CLE programs accredited by another MCLE jurisdiction may qualify upon submission for approval
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit through:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing or publishing legal materials
  • Participation in bar-related educational activities
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to meet CLE requirements will receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A $100 late fee applies for reports submitted after February 1
• Continued noncompliance beyond March 1 may result in administrative suspension by the New Mexico Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires proof of compliance, payment of fees, and submission of a compliance affidavit

How to Report CLE in New Mexico

1. Complete 12 CLE hours, including 2 ethics hours, by December 31
2. Log into the New Mexico MCLE online portal
3. Verify your transcript and confirm all courses are recorded
4. Submit your compliance report by February 1
5. Retain proof of attendance and completion certificates for audit

New Mexico CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in New Mexico?

12 hours annually, including 2 in ethics or professionalism.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 4 hours per year may be earned through self-study or on-demand courses.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

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

Who is exempt from CLE in New Mexico?

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 may be suspended if deficiencies aren’t corrected.

Can teaching or writing count toward CLE?

Yes. Teaching or publishing legal materials may qualify for CLE credit with Board approval.

New Mexico CLE Resources

• New Mexico MCLE Board: https://nmcle.org/
• CLE Rules (NMRA 18-201 to 18-206): https://nmcle.org/rules/
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://portal.nmcle.org/
• CLE FAQs: https://nmcle.org/faq/