MN CLE | Minnesota State CLE

Understanding MN CLE Requirements for Attorneys: A Complete Guide

Attorneys practicing in Minnesota are required to maintain their professional competence and uphold ethical standards through MN CLE—Minnesota’s Continuing Legal Education program. This system ensures that lawyers stay informed about developments in the law, maintain high ethical standards, and continue to provide quality legal representation to their clients. For both new and experienced attorneys, understanding MN CLE requirements is vital to maintaining an active license and avoiding compliance issues or penalties.

MN CLE Requirements for Minnesota Attorneys
The Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education mandates that all active attorneys complete 45 credit hours of MN CLE every three years. These credits are designed to promote well-rounded professional development and ensure that attorneys remain competent, ethical, and current in their legal practice.
The required MN CLE hours include:
• 3 hours of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
• 2 hours of Elimination of Bias in the Legal Profession
This structured requirement reflects Minnesota’s ongoing commitment to professionalism, inclusion, and fairness in the practice of law. Attorneys may choose from a variety of courses that enhance both their legal knowledge and their ethical understanding.

How to Complete MN CLE Credits
Minnesota attorneys have multiple options for completing their MN CLE requirements. Traditional in-person seminars remain popular, but online learning formats have become increasingly convenient and accessible. The flexibility of MN CLE ensures that attorneys can choose educational formats that fit their professional schedules.
Approved formats for MN CLE include:
• Live In-Person Courses and Seminars – Engage with instructors and peers in an interactive environment.
• Live Webcasts and Virtual Events – Participate in real-time sessions from anywhere with an internet connection.
• On-Demand or Recorded Programs – Complete courses at your own pace before the reporting deadline.
• Teaching, Writing, or Speaking – Attorneys may earn partial credit for teaching accredited CLE courses or authoring legal publications.
All MN CLE programs must be approved by the Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education. Attorneys should confirm course accreditation before enrolling to ensure that the credits will count toward their requirements. Minnesota also allows attorneys to carry over up to 15 credits into the next reporting period, including up to 3 ethics credits and 2 elimination of bias credits.

MN CLE Reporting and Deadlines
The MN CLE reporting cycle operates on a three-year period based on an attorney’s group assignment by the Minnesota Supreme Court. Each group has a specific reporting deadline:
• Group 1: June 30 of the first year in the cycle
• Group 2: June 30 of the second year
• Group 3: June 30 of the third year
Attorneys must complete all required MN CLE credits by their group’s deadline and submit a compliance report to the Board of Continuing Legal Education. Many accredited providers report attendance directly to the Board, but attorneys should always verify that their records are accurate.
Failure to comply with MN CLE requirements or deadlines may result in late fees, administrative penalties, or suspension from active status. Attorneys are strongly encouraged to maintain detailed records of course completions and certificates for at least one reporting period after submission.

Value of MN CLE
Beyond fulfilling regulatory obligations, MN CLE offers significant value to attorneys by enhancing their legal knowledge, practical skills, and ethical decision-making. Through MN CLE, lawyers can explore new areas of practice, stay updated on changes in Minnesota law, and improve their ability to serve clients effectively.
Popular MN CLE course topics include:
• Updates in Minnesota civil and criminal law
• Legal ethics and professional responsibility
• Trial preparation and advocacy
• Technology, cybersecurity, and data privacy in law
• Diversity, equity, and elimination of bias training
Ethics and elimination of bias courses, in particular, strengthen attorneys’ commitment to fairness, integrity, and respect within the profession. By investing time in MN CLE, attorneys ensure that they uphold the highest standards of practice in Minnesota’s legal community.

Conclusion | MN CLE
In conclusion, MN CLE is more than a regulatory obligation—it’s a professional commitment to lifelong learning, ethical integrity, and excellence in legal practice. By completing accredited courses, meeting deadlines, and tracking credits carefully, Minnesota attorneys maintain good standing with the Bar while continually improving their skills.
Through MN CLE, attorneys demonstrate their dedication to professional growth, competence, and client service—upholding the high standards and trust that define the Minnesota legal system.

For the latest official MN CLE details, forms, and FAQs, attorneys should visit the Minnesota State Unified Court System’s CLE Board website.