ND CLE | North Dakota State CLE

Understanding ND CLE Requirements for Attorneys: A Complete Guide

Attorneys practicing in North Dakota must stay informed, ethical, and professionally competent through ND CLE—North Dakota’s Continuing Legal Education program. The ND CLE framework ensures that all licensed attorneys uphold the highest standards of the legal profession, keeping pace with developments in law, ethics, and professional responsibility. Compliance with these requirements is not only essential for maintaining an active license but also for fostering ongoing professional growth.

ND CLE Requirements for North Dakota Attorneys
The North Dakota Commission on Continuing Legal Education administers the ND CLE program. All active attorneys admitted to practice in the state are required to complete 45 credit hours of ND CLE every three years, including a mandatory ethics component.
The ND CLE requirements include:
• 3 hours of Ethics and Professional Responsibility within each three-year reporting period
• 42 hours of General Credit covering substantive legal topics
This balance ensures that North Dakota attorneys maintain their legal knowledge while reinforcing the ethical standards that guide the profession. Ethics courses emphasize integrity, civility, and accountability—cornerstones of public trust in the legal system.

How to Complete ND CLE Credits
The ND CLE program offers attorneys flexibility in how they fulfill their credit requirements. Whether through live seminars, virtual courses, or self-study programs, attorneys can select formats that suit their preferences and schedules.
Approved formats for ND CLE include:
• Live In-Person Seminars – Interactive sessions where attorneys can engage directly with instructors and peers.
• Live Webcasts – Real-time online CLE sessions offering the same credit as in-person attendance.
• On-Demand and Self-Study Programs – Pre-recorded CLE courses that can be completed at any time, subject to applicable limits.
• Teaching or Writing Credit – Attorneys may earn ND CLE credit by teaching accredited courses or publishing substantive legal works.
The Commission sets specific rules on how many self-study or non-live credits can be applied toward the total. Attorneys should verify that each course or activity is accredited before completion to ensure compliance with ND CLE standards.

ND CLE Reporting and Deadlines
The ND CLE compliance period operates on a three-year cycle, with individual reporting groups assigned based on the attorney’s admission date. Attorneys must complete all ND CLE credits by June 30 of their reporting year and certify compliance by July 31.
Approved CLE providers typically report attendance directly to the Commission, but attorneys are responsible for verifying that their ND CLE transcript accurately reflects completed credits. Incomplete compliance may lead to late fees or suspension from active practice until the deficiency is resolved. Attorneys should retain course certificates for at least three years in case of audit.

The Value of ND CLE
Beyond regulatory compliance, ND CLE plays a crucial role in supporting lifelong learning, professional excellence, and client service. The program equips attorneys with updated legal knowledge, strengthens advocacy skills, and promotes ethical conduct across all areas of practice.
Common ND CLE topics include:
• Updates in North Dakota statutes and case law
• Trial advocacy and litigation practice
• Professional ethics and client relationships
• Law office management and technology
• Diversity, equity, and mental health in the legal profession
The ethics component of ND CLE helps attorneys navigate difficult professional situations, manage conflicts of interest, and maintain public confidence in the legal system. By integrating these values into daily practice, attorneys reinforce both competence and credibility.

Conclusion | ND CLE
In conclusion, ND CLE serves as an essential framework for maintaining legal proficiency and ethical standards among North Dakota attorneys. By completing accredited courses, tracking progress carefully, and adhering to reporting deadlines, attorneys ensure ongoing compliance and professional growth.
Participation in ND CLE is more than a regulatory duty—it’s a commitment to excellence and public service. Through continuous learning, North Dakota attorneys uphold the integrity of the legal profession while enhancing their ability to represent clients effectively in an ever-evolving legal landscape.

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