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New Hampshire

Are any attorneys exempt from CLE in New Hampshire?

No — New Hampshire’s CLE Rule 53 applies to all attorneys in “Active” or “Limited Active” status for more than six months in a reporting year, unless they have been specifically granted a waiver or are exempted per the rule.

Rule 53 does allow for a petition for waiver under certain circumstances, but it does not list broad categories of exempt attorneys.

Details / Exceptions

  • Attorneys in active or limited active status who are present in New Hampshire for more than six months in
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How early can I report CLE credits in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, you may begin entering CLE credits into the Attorney Reporting Tool (ART) as soon as you complete them. Because New Hampshire attorneys self-report, you don’t have to wait until the year ends to enter your courses.

However, your formal certification (affidavit of compliance) must be filed between June 1 and July 1 following the reporting year.

Key Details

  • The NHMCLE reporting year runs June 1 through May 31. (Rule 53)
  • Attorneys must complete 12 CLE hours each year,
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Do CLE requirements differ for part-time vs full-time attorneys in New Hampshire?

No — New Hampshire’s CLE rules do not differentiate between part-time and full-time attorneys; all covered attorneys must meet the same baseline CLE obligation.

Under Supreme Court Rule 53 (NHMCLE), each attorney subject to the rule must complete 720 minutes (12 credit hours) of approved CLE in each reporting year (June 1 to May 31), including at least 120 minutes (2 hours) in ethics or professionalism.

Details:

  • All attorneys under Rule 53 are subject to the same 12-hour requirement; there is no provision for reduced obligations
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How many CLE credits do New Hampshire attorneys need?

New Hampshire attorneys must complete 12 CLE credit hours per reporting year, including 2 hours in ethics.

The reporting year runs June 1 through May 31, and attorneys must file an affidavit following that period.

Details

• Requirement: 12 hours annually (720 minutes).

• Ethics: At least 2 hours must address ethics.

• Format: All 12

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What is the reporting format for CLE in New Hampshire?

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.

What are the CLE requirements for inactive attorneys in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire’s CLE rule (Rule 53) uses the term “inactive membership status” to reflect members who are “exempt provided not engaged in the practice of law,” and those on inactive status are exempt from the annual CLE requirement when they are not practicing.

If an attorney returns to active status after being inactive for more than two consecutive reporting years, they must complete 360 minutes (6 hours) of additional CLE (beyond the standard requirement) either in the year they return or in the year immediately preceding reinstatement.

Details:

  • Rule 53.2 provides that lawyers in inactive status, not engaged in the practice of law, are exempt from certification
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When is the CLE reporting deadline in New Hampshire?

The CLE reporting deadline in New Hampshire is July 1 following the June 1–May 31 reporting period.

New Hampshire attorneys must complete the required CLE by May 31 and then file their Affidavit of Compliance between June 1 and July 1.

New Hampshire CLE Reporting Rule (Rule 53)

  • Reporting Year: June 1 through May 31.
  • Affidavit Filing Period: June 1 to July 1
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Can I request an extension for CLE reporting in New Hampshire?

No — New Hampshire’s CLE rules do not explicitly authorize a general “extension” for reporting, but they do permit waiver (full or partial) through a petition process for compelling reasons. If you cannot meet the CLE requirements, you must file a Petition for Waiver with the NHMCLE Board explaining the circumstances.

CLE Requirements & Reporting in New Hampshire

  • Reporting period is June 1 through May 31 under Supreme Court Rule 53.
  • Attorneys report via the Attorney Reporting Tool (ART) and file an Affidavit of Compliance.

Waiver / Exemption Authority (no formal extension)

  • The NHMCLE FAQ states that if a lawyer cannot complete requirements, they may submit a Petition for Waiver for full or partial waiver based on “compelling reasons” such as physical or other disability preventing compliance.
  • Rule 53.2(B)(6) addresses compelling reasons of disability that prevent compliance.
  • The waiver process may permit alternative methods of compliance as conditions.

What You Should Do

  1. Review Rule 53.2 and NHMCLE waiver criteria (especially Section B.6).
  2. Draft a Petition for Waiver detailing your inability to comply — include facts, timing, and supporting documentation.
  3. Submit to the NHMCLE Board before or as soon as possible after the reporting deadline.
  4. If granted, comply with any conditions or alternative compliance methods imposed by the Board.
  5. Keep all records and documentation, as your petition and eventual compliance may be audited.

Limitations & Considerations

  • The Board’s decision is discretionary — a waiver is not guaranteed.
  • The rules do not provide for indefinite or repeated waivers for the same hardship.
  • You remain obligated to comply with Rule 53 unless and until a waiver is granted.
  • Missing deadlines without an approved waiver may expose you to late fees or sanctions depending on court or disciplinary rules (though no formal “extension” is in Rule 53).

Key Takeaway
New Hampshire does not offer a formal extension mechanism for CLE reporting, but attorneys who cannot comply may file a Petition for Waiver based on compelling reasons under Rule 53.2 — relief is discretionary and not guaranteed.

Is live webcast or in-person CLE required in New Hampshire?

No — New Hampshire does not require CLE to be in person; all required CLE may be completed via virtual formats, including live webcasts or recorded programs. The New Hampshire Supreme Court eliminated any live-attendance mandate as of July 2016.

New Hampshire CLE Requirements

  • Total requirement: 12 hours (720 minutes) per reporting year.
  • Ethics: 2 hours (120 minutes) of the requirement.
  • Reporting period: June 1 through May 31, with compliance reported by July 1.

Format & Delivery Rules

  • There is no requirement that CLE be taken in person. Beginning July 1, 2016, the rule no longer mandates live attendance.
  • Virtual formats (live webcasts, interactive video, on-demand recordings) are acceptable.
  • No format restrictions: attorneys may complete all required hours virtually.

Key Takeaway: In New Hampshire, in-person attendance is not required — attorneys may satisfy the CLE obligation entirely with virtual or recorded programs under Supreme Court Rule 53.

What counts toward CLE requirements in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, CLE credit counts when the educational activity meets the requirements of Rule 53—meaning it is intellectually substantive, properly reported, and aligns with defined subject matter—and attorneys must earn 720 minutes (12 hours) annually, including at least 120 minutes (2 hours) in ethics.

Creditable activities include live, interactive, or recorded educational programming, and pro bono legal representation (under set formulas), all subject to reporting and carryover rules.

Qualifying activities

  • Live or interactive programs (in-person, live webcast, or teleconference) that offer substantive legal
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Are carryover CLE credits allowed in New Hampshire?

Yes — New Hampshire permits carryover of CLE (NHMCLE) minutes, but only up to the full annual requirement.

Under Supreme Court Rule 53, excess CLE minutes over 720 in one reporting year may be carried forward into the next year (up to 720 minutes, including ethics).

Details & nuances

  • “Carry Over of Excess Minutes” is expressly provided in Rule 53: if a lawyer completes more than 720
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