How many CLE credit hours do TN attorneys have to complete each year?

Each attorney must complete a total of 15 hours of CLE, which must consist of no less than 12 General hours and 3 Ethics/Professionalism hours (or Dual hours) per year. Out of the 15 hours required per year a minimum of 5 hours have to be an in-classroom CLE. A maximum of 8 hours can be earned online in any compliance year.   

Do MBA Members receive a discount on CLE registrations?

Yes. The MBA charges a member and non-member rate for all registrations fees. The member rate is one of the many benefits we provide to our members. It pays to be an MBA member when it comes to the discount you receive. 

Join here. 

How many CLE credit hours can I carry over to the next year?

Up to one full year's worth of both General, 12 hours, and Ethics & Professionalism, 3 hours, can be carried forward to the next compliance year.

How many credit hours can I receive for my pro bono cases?

3 hours of dual credit per year – (You get one hour of dual credit for every five hours of approved billable pro-bono legal representation).

To find out information about Earned Indigent Defense Credits, please visit Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education.

Does the MBA submit the CLE credit for attorneys or am I responsible for submitting my own credit?

The MBA will submit any CLE credits earned from an MBA-sponsored CLE program directly to the TN CLE Commission within 30 days of the when the course in person or online is taken. We will also report hours to Mississippi and Arkansas.

What are the CLE requirements for Newly Licensed Attorneys (the year they pass the bar)?

Newly licensed attorneys will receive 12 hours of general CLE credit and 3 hours of dual CLE credit for taking and passing the bar exam. An attorney will automatically receive their yearly CLE requirements of 15 hours for the year they pass the bar exam and the following year. 

What is the age limit when CLE requirements are no longer required for Attorneys?

 

• Age Exemption for Attorneys Over Age 65 – Attorneys who attained the age of 65 on or before December 31, 2014, do not need to obtain CLE credits ever again. This exemption does not apply to Rule 31 mediators.  
• Age Exemption for Attorneys Under Age 65 - Attorneys under age 65 as of January 1, 2015, you are now required to obtain CLE credit until you attain age 70. The exemption is available in the year after the year in which you turn 70.  

 

How can I get more information about TN CLE requirements and to view my current CLE credit status report?

Contact the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education at (615) 741-3096 or online. It is very easy to log in using your BPR number to get a current list of your CLE hours. 

How many online CLE courses can I take?

Distance learning credit (online) is limited to 8 hours per year. The MBA CLE catalog currently has numerous online CLE programs that have been recorded from our “live” seminars held in the past year. All of the online video CLE programs are require no special programs or software. General and Dual credits are available.

View available online CLE courses.

How do I register for an upcoming or online MBA CLE program?

Registration for any program can be completed by phone, mail, or deliver payment to the MBA office. You may also pay online at the MBA website with your Visa or MasterCard. Reservations will not be recorded until payment is received. 

View a list of all CLE seminars and register online.

How do I take an online CLE program?

Whether you want to register for a live (onsite) course or take an online program, the MBA CLE Catalog makes it easy.

The MBA provides you with convenient & affordable online CLE programs available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Sign up today and take the program at your convenience. You do not have to watch the online program the same day or time your purchase the online program. However, you will not receive CLE credit for the online program until you have paid the registration fee and contacted the MBA office for the online CLE attendance form. 

How do I know that my registration order was received?

All online registrations will receive a confirmation of their order via e-mail. If you have any doubt that your registration was received, please contact the MBA office at 901.260.3275 or contact CLE Director Lesia Beach at lbeach@memphisbar.org. 

Do I have to have a registration form to get signed up for a CLE program?

No. You may register and prepay online using your MasterCard or Visa or send in your check along with a note that indicates the title and date of the CLE program and your name and BPR number. You may also print out the registration form and include with your payment. 

What if I register for a seminar and find out that I cannot attend?

A refund will be issued if notice is given within 48 hours before the program. If you are not able to attend, you may call and substitute another person for your registration fee. If that person is not an MBA member, the difference between the member and non-member rate will be charged. If you miss the refund deadline and cannot find a substitution for your registration, then you can request a copy of the handout materials. 

How will I know if a program has been canceled or if the venue location has changed?

If you have preregistered for the program, you will be notified by email. 

Can I attend CLE programs at no charge if I do not need CLE credit?

You can attend any seminar and pay the “non-attorney or no CLE credit needed” rate. 

Does the MBA offer a discount rate for CLE Programs for Law Students?

Yes. There is no charge for law students to attend MBA seminars. MBA membership is also free for law students. 

Can I register one of my staff or bring a guest to a CLE program?

Yes. You would only need to pay the “non-attorney or no CLE credit needed” rate. 

Can I register an attorney who is not a current MBA member for a CLE program?

Yes. The MBA offers a non-member rate for attorneys who are not current members of the MBA. 

How do I become involved as a presenter at a future MBA CLE program?

If you have a CLE program or topic that you would be interested in offering as an online or live CLE program, please send the proposal via e-mail to CLE Director Lesia Beach at lbeach@memphisbar.org. The program proposal should include a description of the topic, along with bullet points of items that will be addressed, and the target audience for the program. The program proposal will be submitted to the CLE Committee for their consideration.  

For any other questions not listed?

E-mail CLE Director Lesia Beach at lbeach@memphisbar.org or call 901.260.3275.