It's August, that time when one-third of Minnesota attorneys will be entering their next CLE reporting period. As many of you know, in 2020, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued an order, allowing attorneys licensed in the state to claim more on-demand video CLEs toward their 45 required credits. The court order initially raised the allowed on-demand credits from 15 to 30. The order further stated that the allowed on-demand credits would become unlimited as of January 1, 2024, for courses viewed and reported after that date. Thus, Minnesota licensed attorneys are now allowed to apply approved, on-demand CLE credits toward their ENTIRE 45 credit requirement every three years.
This creates a wonderful opportunity for Minnesota attorneys looking to streamline their acquisition of needed CLE credit, while still improving their practice skills, adapting to changes in the law, and maintaining the same high level of their own professional development. It's particularly helpful for practitioners who live and work outside the metro, and those attorneys working from home.
Fulfilling this is now easier than ever and doing so is more within reach of attorneys who are trying to limit their expenses. Money's tight these days, but you don't need to compromise on your professional requirements. It's win-win.
It's becoming easier (at least at the time of this writing) to find coveted Elimination of Bias and Ethics courses, along with courses in the new Mental Health category.
It is now possible to obtain most, if not all, of one's CLE requirement for free or low-cost. The Minnesota State Bar Association is offering an unlimited season pass for access to all of their on-demand CLE content. The cost for this is $550 for members, $950 for non-members. If you buy this pass at the tail end of your 3-year reporting period, it is possible to fulfill your present reporting period and also the next reporting period--6 years of coverage.
For those looking to save even more, a number of places offer free on-demand CLEs. I will list a few sources:
Mitchell Hamline offers dozens of free, on-demand video CLEs to alumni, including several from Mitchell Hamline's Health Law Institute.
The Hennepin County Law Library offers several live streaming and on-demand CLEs free of charge to anyone. You just need to submit your name to ensure CLE credit.
St. Thomas School of Law offers several on-demand CLEs, many of which are free for all. A sign in is required.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office offers several free CLEs, both in-person and on-demand. They also offer some paid on-demand courses, for modest fees.