REQUIREMENTS

Q. How do I apply for CLE credit?

The sponsor’s application can be filed on the portal. 

Q. Should my organization pay when we submit our request for approval?

Yes. The application fee should be paid by credit card or e-check using the sponsor portal.

Q. How much are the application fees?

Click here for the fee schedule.

Q. What are the major requirements for my organization’s program?

Summarizing 27 NCAC 1D, Rule .1519: your activity must “have significant intellectual or practical content and the primary objective must be to increase the participant’s professional competence and proficiency as a lawyer.” Further, it “shall constitute an organized program of learning dealing with matters directly related to the practice of law, professional responsibility, professionalism, or ethical obligations of lawyers.”

Q. Can any of the required hours be taken online?

Yes. Members may take all their hours online.

Q. Where do I find the rules and regulations for the administration of the CLE program?

See 27 NCAC 1D, Section .1500.

GENERAL SPONSOR INFORMATION

Q. Can activities directed primarily to other professions or groups (for example, CPAs) be approved for CLE credit?

Yes, provided the CLE Board is “satisfied that the content of the activity would enhance legal skills or the ability to practice law.” 

Q. How many CLE hours are required for the reporting period?

Active members of the North Carolina State Bar must take 24 hours of approved CLE over a two-year period. Of the 24 hours, they should complete four ethics hours, one technology training hour, and one professional well-being hour (formerly mental health/substance abuse). 

Q. What is considered a CLE year?

The 12-month CLE year begins March 1. Reporting periods end at the end of February. Hours must be completed by the end of the lawyer’s reporting period to avoid a late fee.

Q. How will the Bar create a stagger for the reporting periods?

To create a stagger where the reporting period ends for half of the lawyers each year, lawyers with an odd year of admittance (ex. 2023) will have a one-time, one year/12hour requirement. Even year lawyers will go directly to two years/24/hours.

Q. How can I find the identification number for previously approved courses that my organization has sponsored?

Click here to search for a course, or telephone the CLE Department at (919) 733-0123.

Q. What is my organization’s North Carolina State Bar sponsor identification number?

Click here to look up your sponsor identification number. Your sponsor ID number is located in your course approval email also. You may call the CLE Department at (919) 733-0123 if you are having trouble locating the number.

COURSES

Q. What if errors are discovered on the course application after it is filed with the CLE Department?

Please email the course accreditation coordinator.

Q. When should my organization report attendance?

Attendance reports should be filed on the sponsor portal within 40 days after an activity takes place.

Q. How does my organization report attendance?

Please use the sponsor portal to report attendance. Along with your sponsor and course number, make sure to include the attorney’s name, bar number, and a breakdown of the credit hours.

Q. May attorneys get partial credit if they attend a portion of a CLE activity?

Yes. Please indicate the hours attended when you submit the attendance report.

Q. May attorneys get credit for serving as a panel member during a CLE activity?

Yes. Attorneys who participate in panels as part of approved continuing legal education activities can earn credit at the same rate as teachers.

Q. May attorneys get credit for teaching a CLE activity?

Yes. Attorneys are entitled to one hour of CLE for every ten minutes of actual instruction. To request credit, the attorney should complete CLE Form 7, Teacher’s Request for CLE Credit.

Q. How do I determine how much CLE credit to request for my organization’s activity?

Tally the minutes for each segment of ethics, technology, professional well-being, and other substantive topics. Divide by 60. Round each total down to the nearest quarter-hour. Do not include time given to non-educational activities such as social activities, welcomes and introductions, breaks, meals, business or committee meetings, examinations, or evaluations. 

Q. How do I find out whether the course I’m sponsoring is eligible for specialization credit?

To find out if a course would be eligible for specialization credit, please visit their website at (insert link). 

Q. Are some activities not eligible for CLE credit?

No credit will be given for the following: 1) programs on marketing; 2) programs marketing products or services; 3) In-house programs; 4) self-study (use of books and manuals), non-interactive computer programs, bar review/refresher programs; 5) activities held in conjunction with banquets or other primarily social functions; 6) business meetings.

Q. Can videotaped or computer-based programs be approved?

Yes, provided the program is interactive and the sponsor can track the attendance.

Q. May a sponsor offer a CLE program to a law firm in North Carolina?

Yes, as long as the program is open to any interested attorney from outside the law firm, the course can be approved for CLE credit. The program should be advertised to the wider legal community at least ten days in advance of the course date. The firm may also invite outside attorneys to attend. 

Q. Are there exceptions to the in-house rule?

Yes. A firm may offer an in-house program on ethics, professional well-being, or technology that is sponsored by a third party or organization and is not affiliated with the law firm. See Rule .1523(d) for other exceptions. 

ACCREDITATION

Q. How will I know that my organization’s CLE program has been approved or denied?

You will receive an email approving or denying each request.

Q. Must my organization’s programs be conducted live and on-site?

No. Teleconferencing and webcasts can be approved.

Q. Is there a different procedure for requesting approval for online activities?

No.

Q. How does my organization receive approval for a CLE activity?

Complete the sponsor’s request for CLE credit, and attach the the requested documentation on the sponsor portal.

Q. How soon should my application be submitted to the CLE Department before the scheduled presentation? 

The application should be filed on the sponsor portal at least 40 days before the presentation of the CLE activity.

Q. How long does it take for my organization’s application to be reviewed by the CLE Department?

The processing time is 45 days from receipt of the application.