Side by Side Comparison of New Jersey and New York MCLE Rules [CHART]

MCLE RULESNEW JERSEYNEW YORK
Basis for one credit hour50 minutes50 minutes
Credit hours required24 credit hours every two years24 credit hours every two years
Reporting periodEvery two yearsEvery two years
Ethics credits hours required per reporting periodFour credit hours every two yearsFour credit hours every two years
Requirement for new attorneysNo additional credit hours requirement but must choose from list of recommended subject areas32 credit Bridge-the-gap program for newly admitted attorneys
Carryover creditsUp to 12 credit hoursUp to six credit hours
Teaching creditsTwo credits for each hour taughtThree credits for each hour taught
Writing creditsNoUp to 12 credit hours per reporting period
Self-study (audio, video, online/computer based)Up to 12 credit hours per reporting periodExperienced attorneys may earn all 24 credit hours via reporting period
In-house activitiesYes, CLE credit awardedYes, CLE credit awarded
Attorney reporting methodSelf-report at end of two year reporting periodSelf-report at end of two year reporting period
ReciprocityCredit awarded for courses taken in all CLE approved jurisdictionsCredit awarded for courses in selected CLE approved jurisdictions
Attorney record retentionKeep certificates of attendance for three (3) yearsCertificates of attendance and other documentation of compliance must be retained for four (4) years
Approved provider applicationOffered five courses over prior two yearsOffered eight courses over prior three years
Approved provider periodRenew every two yearsRenew every three years
Reporting obligations for provider of approved individual activityNotify MCLE regulator within 30 days of courseSubmit a completed Course Summary form for each course
Certificate of AttendanceProvider should obtain attorney signatures on certificates of attendance for each courseMust use the New York Certificate of Attendance. Attorney must retain for four (4) years
Provider record retentionKeep records of course approval and attorney attendance for three (3) yearsKeep for each course, a sample certificate of attendance, evaluation forms and attendance lists for four (4) years
Accreditation of a single course or activitySubmit at least 30 days prior to courseSubmit at least 60 days prior to course
Accredited Provider Application Fee$100$0
Course Accreditation Application Fee$25$0
  • Marie
    I'm thoroughly confused by all this! I work for an atty who's admitted in NY and NJ and I've been unable to find a clear explanation.

    I understand that NY CLE credits will count toward NJ MCLE credits? Between what time period can I use past NY credits to count twd NJ MCLEs for this compliance period? Up to how many credits can I use from past years from NY? 12?

    The compliance period for NJ MCLEs started 1/1/10, and if your birthday is between Jan and June, then you will have to report on your 2012 annual registration?

    Thanks for any help!
  • Cass, this is a mess but NJ is slowly starting to come around with an infrastructure to support the rules that went into effect. Delay still inexcusable. Should have already been in place. Since they will grant reciprocal credits including NY, you can take any course accredited in NY and receive NJ credits. Providers will issue a NY certificate which you can use to verify attendance until additional instructions are provided from the NJ courts.

    A few suggestions for quality programming include NY based online provider, http://www.lawline.com, the vast http://westlegaledcenter.com and https://www.nycbar.org/CLE, NY City Bar for live and online courses.

    Hope this helps. If more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
  • Cass
    Anyone know of an accredited provider in NY that will also satisfy NJ's requirement? I am a new attorney and can't figure out this mess that is NJ.
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