North Dakota Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

North Dakota CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	45 credit hours every 3 years
Ethics / Professionalism	3 hours in ethics or professional responsibility per 3-year cycle
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 15 hours per 3-year cycle may be earned through self-study
Compliance Period	3-year cycle (based on admission date or reporting group)
Reporting Deadline	July 31 following the close of the reporting period
Carryover Credit	Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward to the next cycle; ethics may not
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the North Dakota CLE online portal

Overview

North Dakota attorneys must complete 45 CLE credit hours every 3 years, including 3 hours in ethics or professional responsibility. The CLE cycle is determined by admission year or assigned reporting group, and attorneys must report compliance by July 31 following the end of their 3-year cycle through the North Dakota CLE online portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 45 CLE hours every 3 years
• Of those, at least 3 hours must be in ethics or professional responsibility
• Up to 15 hours may be completed through accredited on-demand or self-study programs
• The remaining 30 hours must come from live or synchronous programs
• CLE credit may also be earned for teaching, writing, or bar-related educational activities
• All CLE programs must be approved by the North Dakota Commission on Continuing Legal Education

Compliance Period

• CLE compliance runs on a 3-year cycle based on admission date or reporting group assignment
• Attorneys must complete all required credits by the end of their reporting period
• Compliance certification is due by July 31 following the cycle’s end

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE completion through the North Dakota CLE online portal
• Accredited providers may report attendance, but attorneys are responsible for ensuring transcript accuracy
• Notices of upcoming compliance deadlines are sent prior to the end of each cycle
• Failure to report by July 31 results in a $50 late fee and potential deficiency notice

Carryover Rules

• Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next 3-year reporting period
• Ethics or professional responsibility credits cannot carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt during the first reporting year but must complete a New Lawyer Education (NLE) program offered by the North Dakota CLE Commission within 12 months of admission
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must make up missed CLE hours before resuming practice
• Waivers or extensions may be granted by the Commission for hardship or illness

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE courses must be approved by the North Dakota Commission on Continuing Legal Education
• Out-of-state CLE programs accredited in another jurisdiction may qualify upon submission for approval
• Attorneys may also earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing and publishing legal works
  • Bar-related or educational committee participation
• Providers must retain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A $50 late fee applies for late reporting
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the North Dakota Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires proof of compliance, payment of fees, and a compliance affidavit

How to Report CLE in North Dakota

1. Complete 45 CLE hours, including 3 ethics hours, within your 3-year cycle
2. Log into the North Dakota CLE online portal
3. Verify that all CLE courses are properly recorded on your transcript
4. Submit your compliance certification by July 31
5. Retain attendance records and completion certificates for audit

North Dakota CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in North Dakota?

45 hours every 3 years, including 3 in ethics or professional responsibility.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 15 hours per 3-year cycle may be earned through on-demand or self-study courses.

Can I carry over CLE credits?

Yes. Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward; ethics credits cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in North Dakota?

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

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll incur a late fee and risk administrative suspension if deficiencies aren’t corrected.

What is the New Lawyer Education (NLE) requirement?

A mandatory course for new North Dakota attorneys that must be completed within 12 months of admission.

North Dakota CLE Resources

• North Dakota Commission on CLE: https://www.ndcourts.gov/cle
• CLE Rules (Rule 3): https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-resources/rules/ndccle
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.ndcourts.gov/cle/login
• CLE FAQs: https://www.ndcourts.gov/cle/faq