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Minnesota

Can I request an extension for CLE reporting in Minnesota?

Yes — Minnesota permits you to request a “credit deadline extension” if you cannot finish CLE by the August 31 reporting deadline, but you’ll still owe the late-filing fee and must show a plan for completion.

The Minnesota CLE rules allow attorneys to complete missing credits during July–August (without a formal extension) or formally request extra time via their OASIS account or in writing.

Detailed Explanation

  • Minnesota attorneys must report CLE compliance by August 31 following the end of the reporting period.
  • The
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Are any attorneys exempt from CLE in Minnesota?

Yes — under Minnesota’s CLE rules, lawyers may elect a “restricted status” (aka partially nonpracticing) in which they are exempt from fulfilling CLE obligations, so long as they do not practice law in the state.

In Minnesota, active-status lawyers must comply with CLE rules, but a lawyer in restricted status is relieved from the educational and reporting requirements.

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What is the grace period for CLE reporting in Minnesota?

Minnesota’s CLE “grace period” allows attorneys to complete missing credits between July 1 and August 31 and report them by August 31 — with no formal extension required. The compliance deadline is June 30 of the reporting period, but the rules permit post-deadline CLE through August 31 before late fees apply.

Key Facts & Process

  • Compliance must be earned by June 30 each reporting cycle.
  • Attorneys may continue taking courses and accrue credits during July and August.
  • Reporting is due by August 31 via the OASIS portal or affidavit.
  • A $75 late fee is assessed if reporting occurs after August 31, even if an extension was approved.
  • Attorneys can request a formal extension through OASIS or by writing to the CLE Board, though the late fee still applies.

Key Takeaway: Minnesota permits a built-in post-deadline window until August 31 to complete and report CLE; attorneys who miss that date face a $75 late fee and may seek a formal extension during that period.

Do CLE requirements differ for part-time vs full-time attorneys in Minnesota?

No — Minnesota’s CLE rules treat all active attorneys the same; there is no special reduction or alternative for part-time status.

Minnesota requires active attorneys to complete at least 45 CLE credit hours in each three-year reporting period, including minimum credits in ethics, elimination of bias, and mental health/substance use.

Details:

  • Of the 45 required credits, at least 3 must be in ethics or professional responsibility; at least 2 in elimination of
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Do judges in Minnesota have separate CLE requirements?

No — judges in Minnesota do not have a separate CLE requirement apart from the state’s attorney CLE system.

Judges, like all active attorneys, are subject to Minnesota’s mandatory CLE rules under the Board of Continuing Legal Education; there is no distinct judicial-only continuing education mandate.

Details

  • Minnesota law imposes CLE on licensed attorneys — 45 approved credit hours every three years, including credits in
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How many CLE hours are required every reporting cycle in Minnesota?

Minnesota attorneys must complete 45 CLE credit hours every reporting cycle, which spans three years. Within those 45 hours, they must include at least 3 hours in ethics, 2 hours in elimination of bias, and 1 hour in mental health/substance use.

Cycle & Reporting

  • Reporting period: 3 years
  • Compliance deadline: June 30 at the end of the period
  • Reporting deadline: August 31 following the end of the period

Credit Requirements & Rules

  • Total required: 45 credits every 3 years
  • Ethics requirement: 3 credits
  • Elimination of bias: 2 credits
  • Mental health / substance use: 1 credit
  • No credit carryover: excess credits beyond 45 in the reporting period do not roll over
  • On-demand credit cap removed starting for courses reported after January 1, 2024 (i.e. newer cycles may have no limit)

Key Takeaway: In Minnesota the CLE reporting cycle is three years requiring 45 CLE hours, including ethics, bias, and mental health credits, with no carryover allowed.

What are the CLE requirements for inactive attorneys in Minnesota?

Minnesota does not use a status called “inactive” in CLE rules—rather, lawyers may elect voluntary restricted status, and those in restricted status are excused from CLE obligations.

Voluntary restricted status (and retirement) is formally treated as “restricted status” under MN CLE rules, not “inactive,” and CLE is not required while in restricted status.

Details:

  • Minnesota CLE rules define voluntary restricted status as a status for lawyers who elect not to maintain an active
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What counts toward CLE requirements in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, CLE “counts” when it is approved by the Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education under the Rules of the Board of CLE.

Attorneys must earn 45 CLE credit hours every three years, including required hours in ethics, elimination of bias, and mental health/substance use.

Qualifying CLE activities

  • Attendance at Board-approved live seminars, webinars, or other real-time programs.
  • Approved on-demand
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What is the reporting format for CLE in Minnesota?

Minnesota attorneys report CLE attendance either online via OASIS or by filing a paper Affidavit of CLE Compliance form. The reporting deadline is August 31 following the end of their three-year reporting period.

Key Details:

  • Use the OASIS online portal to file your CLE attendance—no fee.
  • If filing a paper affidavit, there is a $10 processing fee.
  • Attorneys may complete CLE between July 1 and August 31 if credits were not earned by the June 30 end of the period.
  • Minnesota assigns lawyers to one of three reporting categories with staggered cycles.

Key Takeaway: Minnesota attorneys report CLE via the OASIS portal (or by paper affidavit with fee) by August 31 after their three-year compliance period.

Are carryover CLE credits allowed in Minnesota?

No — Minnesota does not allow carryover of CLE credits to the next reporting period.

The Minnesota State Board of CLE’s FAQ explicitly states that any credit hours earned in excess of the required 45 in a reporting period “cannot be ‘saved’ and used in the next reporting period.”

Details & nuances

  • Minnesota attorneys must complete 45 approved credits every three years, including minimum subcategory
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Can I submit CLE credits online in Minnesota?

Yes – in Minnesota you can submit CLE credits online via the Board’s OASIS system.

Minnesota attorneys report CLE either through OASIS or by filing a paper Affidavit of CLE Compliance; the online option is the preferred method.

Details:

  • The Minnesota Rules of the Board of Continuing Legal Education allow electronic submission via the Online Attorney and
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How do I report CLE credits in Minnesota?

You report CLE credits in Minnesota by entering your attendance through the OASIS system or submitting an Affidavit of CLE Compliance by August 31 of your reporting period.
Minnesota attorneys are required to complete 45 CLE hours every three years, with specialty minimums for ethics, elimination of bias, and mental health/substance use.

Overview of Minnesota CLE Reporting

Minnesota licensed lawyers must complete 45 credit hours in their three-year cycle, including at least 3 hours in ethics, 2 hours in elimination of bias, and 1 hour in mental health/substance use.
Each attorney is assigned one of three reporting categories; the compliance deadline is June 30, and reporting must be completed by August 31 via OASIS or affidavit.
Under Rule 9 of the CLE Board, the affidavit (if used) must include required specialty credits and, for paper filing, a $10 processing fee.
A late filing after August 31 incurs a $75 late fee regardless of whether an extension was granted.
Attorneys are encouraged to report CLE attendance continuously through OASIS as events are completed, rather than waiting until the end of the reporting cycle.

Steps to Report CLE in Minnesota

  • As you attend an approved CLE course, log into your OASIS attorney record and report the
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How many CLE credits do Minnesota attorneys need?

Minnesota attorneys must complete 45 CLE credit hours every three years, including 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of elimination of bias, and 1 hour of mental health/substance use.

The reporting deadline is August 31 following the June 30 end of the reporting period.

Details

• The CLE compliance cycle ends on June 30; attorneys then have until August 31 to file their affidavit.

• Approved

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How early can I report CLE credits in Minnesota?

You may begin reporting CLE attendance in Minnesota any time during your current three-year reporting period. As soon as you complete a qualifying course, you can enter it into OASIS (the online reporting system).

However, you must file your full compliance (i.e. certify that you have met the requirements) by August 31 following the close of your reporting cycle (which ends on June 30).

Key Details

  • Minnesota attorneys must earn 45 CLE credit hours every three years, including required credits in ethics (3 hours),
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When is the CLE reporting deadline in Minnesota?

The CLE reporting deadline in Minnesota is August 31 following the end of your 3-year compliance period.

Minnesota attorneys must complete required CLE credits by June 30 of the final year of their reporting cycle, then report compliance by August 31.

Minnesota CLE Reporting & Compliance Rules

  • Reporting Period: 3 years, July 1 through June 30, per your assigned category.
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What happens if I miss the CLE deadline in Minnesota?

If you miss Minnesota’s CLE reporting deadline, you’ll incur a $75 late filing fee and may lose your license “involuntary restricted status” unless you request a hearing or cure the deficiency. Minnesota attorneys must complete 45 CLE credits every three years (with required credits in ethics, bias, and mental health), finish them by June 30, and report by August 31.

Minnesota CLE Deadline & Grace Period

  • June 30: Last day to complete required CLE for your reporting period.
  • July 1 – August 31: You may continue earning credits in that window without needing formal extension.
  • August 31: Final date to report CLE in your reporting period.

Consequences of Noncompliance (Rule 9 / Board Rules)

  • A $75 late filing fee is assessed for reporting after August 31, even if an extension was granted.
  • If you fail to report or request a hearing, the Board’s Director may recommend to the Minnesota Supreme Court that you be placed in “involuntary restricted status.”
  • An attorney in “involuntary restricted status” cannot practice until the deficiency is cured and the Board certifies compliance.

Key Takeaway: In Minnesota, missing the August 31 reporting deadline triggers a $75 late fee and possible placement into involuntary restricted status unless you timely cure or request a hearing under the Board’s rules.

Can I report CLE credits late in Minnesota?

Yes — in Minnesota you can report CLE late, but you will incur a $75 late filing fee if you file your affidavit after the August 31 deadline. The Minnesota CLE rules explicitly allow a late affidavit with fee before a notice of noncompliance is issued.

Here’s how Minnesota’s late-reporting regime works:

  • The reporting deadline is August 31 following the close of the three-year compliance period.
  • If you submit your Affidavit of CLE
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