If you're a Minnesota attorney, you may be looking to find more efficient and cost-effective ways to acquire your necessary CLE credits. Prior to Jan 1, 2024, a practitioner could apply up to 30 hours of approved on-demand video credit out of the 45 hours total needed for a 3-year reporting period. However, for on-demand CLEs viewed and reported after 1/1/2024, there is no cap on the hours of credit. That's right, folks, you can satisfy your entire 45 hour CLE requirement for the upcoming 3-year reporting period, from the comfort of your home or office, at whatever times are convenient! If you want to knock out CLEs while in your pajamas at 3AM, no one's stopping you.
Here's where my idea comes into play. Getting those CLE credits, whether on-demand or in-person, scheduled into your busy life. And save some money, while you're at it. There's a method I've done a couple times, and I know of other attorneys who have done it, as well. Don't worry, it's all legit.
For practically forever, Minnesota CLE has offered Season Passes, a sort of prix fixe, all-you-can-eat buffet of CLE presentations. The Season Pass lasts one year, and they have three flavors to choose from: In-Person Pass, Online Pass, and a Super Pass that encompasses both in-person and online CLEs. The Season Passes range in price from $1295 to $1895, with a discount if you're a MSBA member or have bought a Season Pass before. If you're a new lawyer, admitted to the bar for less than 5 years, you get the pass for half price.
So here's the cool part. There is no reason why you couldn't use one Season Pass to cover two reporting periods. Yes, you can satisfy 6 years of CLE reporting in one fell swoop. You just buy the Season Pass 6 or so months before your current reporting period runs out. Attend or view the 45 hours of CLEs, then report that summer. Then when your new 3-year reporting period starts, you have 6 or so months to take another 45 hours of CLEs, thereby satisfying your reporting requirements again.