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.

C.  Reporting Year -- The reporting year shall be the period from July 1 to June 30.

D. Carry Over of Excess Hours - If a lawyer has completed more than twelve (12) hours of continuing legal education in a reporting year commencing after the effective date of this rule, the excess hours may be used to fulfill the requirement of Rule 53.1(B) for the reporting year next following, but may not be used to fulfill the requirement in any other reporting year.