Rule 53 New Hampshire Minimum Continuing Legal Education Requirement.

RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

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Rule 53. New Hampshire Minimum Continuing Legal Education Requirement.

53.1. NHMCLE REQUIREMENT

A. Purpose. Continuing legal education improves the administration of justice and benefits the public interest. Regular participation in continuing legal education programs strengthens the professional skills of practicing lawyers, affords them periodic opportunities for professional self-evaluation and enhances the quality of legal services rendered to the public. This Rule requires active members of the New Hampshire Bar to participate in additional legal study throughout their careers.

B. Number of Hours Required

1. In General — Every person covered by this rule shall complete twelve (12) hours of continuing legal education in each reporting year. At least two (2) hours of such continuing legal education shall be in the area of legal ethics, professionalism or the prevention of malpractice, substance abuse or attorney-client disputes.

2. Return to Active Status — Lawyers who are suspended or have selected inactive membership status with the New Hampshire Bar for more than two (2) consecutive reporting years are required to complete six (6) additional CLE credits upon returning to active status. Lawyers may complete the additional credits during the reporting year in which they return to active status or in the reporting year immediately preceding. Lawyers shall report completion of these credits by such method as the NHMCLE Board shall prescribe.