FAQ
Q. How do I claim an exemption from CLE requirements?
Exemptions are claimed when you pay your membership dues each year. All exemptions must be reported yearly. For special circumstances exemptions only, you can attach a letter explaining the reasons you are requesting the exemption and provide any supporting documentation you feel would be helpful. The Exemption Committee will consider your request and reply as soon as possible. A special circumstance exemption is only valid for one calendar year.
Q. Can an active North Carolina State Bar member be exempt from the CLE requirements?
Yes, an active bar member may qualify for one of the specified exemptions listed at 27 NCAC 1D, Rule .1517, or apply to the Board of Continuing Legal Education for an exemption based upon disability, hardship, or extenuating circumstances.
Q. What fees am I assessed by the State Bar’s CLE program?
All active members of the State Bar are required to pay a $25 annual attendance fee during the membership renewal process. Lawyers eligible for an exemption found in 27 NCAC 1D, Rule .1517 are exempt from the $25 attendance fee.
Q. Does North Carolina have reciprocal arrangements for accepting CLE courses from other states?
No. Please use our course search function to see if the class has been approved in North Carolina. If not, please ask the sponsor to apply on your behalf or use the Bar Member's Application for CLE Credit to apply. Please note other states' attendance certificates are not sufficient to add credits to your CLE record if the course has not been approved for North Carolina CLE credit. You must submit a Bar Member's Application for Credit and the required documentation.
Q. What are the new CLE requirements for members?
Over 2 years, lawyers must complete 24 hours of CLE, including 4 ethics hours, 1 technology training hour, and 1 professional well-being hour (formerly mental health/substance abuse). Specialty hours cannot be carried forward as specialty credit; however, they will apply to the total hours.
Q. How will the State Bar create a new cycle of reporting for all members?
To create a stagger where the reporting period ends for half of the lawyers each year, lawyers with an odd year of admittance (e.g., 2023) will have a one-time, 1-year/12-hour requirement. Even year lawyers will go directly to 2 years/24 hours.
Q. Is there a grace period if I fail to complete the annual CLE requirements by the reporting period?
No. If the hours have not been completed by the end of your reporting period, you may be subject to monetary penalties or suspension. See 27 NCAD 1D, Rule .1523.
Q. What is the new CLE year?
The 12-month CLE year begins March 1. Reporting periods end on the last day of February. Hours must be completed by the end of the lawyer’s reporting period to avoid a late fee.
Q. May I take any of the required hours online?
Yes. Lawyers may take all their CLE hours online.
Q. Are teleconferences or live webcasts considered “online” courses?
No. These types of courses are live programs.
Q. How do I find out if the CLE Board has approved a specific class that I want to take?
Click here to search for courses.
Q. How do I receive approval for a CLE activity if the sponsor does not seek credit on my behalf?
Complete a Bar Member’s Application for CLE Credit. The application can only be submitted after the course has been completed. Attach all requested documentation and return the completed packet to the CLE Department. You may use regular mail or submit via email.
Q. Can an attorney request credit for an on-demand program?
No. Only the sponsor can request credit on behalf of the attorney for on-demand programs.
Q. How do I find out how many CLE hours I need to fulfill my requirements for a given calendar year?
Using your State Bar member number and member access password, you may log in to the State Bar’s portal to view your record.
Q. If I obtain an exemption from the CLE requirements, am I also exempt from the mandatory annual dues owed to the North Carolina State Bar?
No. To be exempt from the mandatory dues, a lawyer must change his or her State Bar membership status to inactive. To learn more about inactive status, contact the Membership Department at 919-828-4620.
Q. Do I get additional credit for teaching a CLE seminar?
Yes. You are entitled to one hour of CLE credit for every ten minutes of actual instruction. To report this time to the CLE department, complete the Request for Teacher Credit of an Approved Continuing Legal Education Activity.
Q. Can I receive credit for teaching at a law school or paralegal school?
Yes. For teaching a law school class or a paralegal program, click here.
Q. May I carry forward excess CLE hours into the next reporting period?
Yes, lawyers may carry over into the next reporting period up to 12 total hours; however, Professional Well-Being, Ethics, and Technology will not carry forward but must be taken every reporting period.
Q. Will I get credit for CLE classes I take outside North Carolina?
Yes, in most cases. Each state has different rules and regulations governing CLE. Before you register for a class, please check the North Carolina State Bar Rules and Regulations on CLE to see if the class meets North Carolina’s requirements. See 27 NCAC 1D, Section .1500. No credit will be given for the following: 1. Programs on marketing law firms or other agencies. 2. Programs marketing products or services to the law firm or agency. 3. In-house programs – programs conducted for the benefit of employees of a law firm, legal department, or other members of similar organizations. 4. Self-study (use of books and manuals, audiotapes, non-interactive computer programs, solitary viewing of video programs, etc.). 5. Bar review/refresher programs. 6. Activities held in conjunction with banquets or other primarily social occasions. 7. Business meetings.
Professionalism for New Attorneys Program
Q. Are there special requirements for newly licensed attorneys?
Yes. If you are admitted on or after January 1, 2011, you must complete the 12-hour Professionalism for New Attorneys program.
Q. What is the content of the Professionalism for New Attorneys program?
The program consists of 12 hours of training in subjects designated by the North Carolina State Bar, including professional responsibility, professionalism, and law office management.
Q. Do the hours for the Professionalism for New Attorneys program apply to the annual requirements?
Yes. Credit for the program is applied to the mandatory CLE requirements.
Q. How do I find an approved course to satisfy the Professionalism for New Attorneys requirement?
Click here to search for approved courses.
Q. If I am newly admitted to the North Carolina State Bar but am licensed in another state, do I have to complete the Professionalism for New Attorneys program?
A member who is licensed by a United States jurisdiction other than North Carolina for five or more years prior to admission to practice in North Carolina is exempt from the Professionalism for New Attorneys program requirement and must notify the board of the exemption when they pay their membership dues.
Q. Can the Professionalism for New Attorneys program be taken online?
Professionalism for New Attorneys courses may be taken via live webcast, but they may not be taken online (via the Internet) on demand. They may be taken as a prerecorded program provided at least one hour of each six-hour block consists of live programming.