Extension of Time to Complete CLE Requirement

Submit Application for an Extension of Time only via email to cleoffice@nycourts.gov.

All members of the New York State Bar are presumed to be practicing law in New York.
If you did not practice law in New York, were retired or on full-time active military duty during all of your CLE reporting cycle, you may be exempt from the CLE requirement. See section 1500.5(b) of the Program Rules regarding exemptions from the CLE requirement. 

If you did not practice law in New York for part of your CLE reporting cycle, you may have a prorated CLE requirement

You should apply for an extension only if you determine that you are not exempt from CLE requirements and have not completed your required number of CLE credits, in the correct categories, within the applicable time period. Please note that CLE requirements for newly admitted attorneys (those admitted to the NY State Bar for 2 years or less) differ from those for experienced attorneys (those admitted to the NY State Bar for more than 2 years).

Newly admitted attorneys must earn a total of 32 CLE credit hours (with 16 credit hours each year) in the newly admitted cycle. See CLE requirement for newly admitted attorneys.

Experienced attorneys must earn at least 24 CLE credit hours each biennial reporting cycle. See CLE requirement for experienced attorneys.

You may submit an application for an extension of time to the CLE Board to seek additional time in which to complete your CLE requirement. Please submit your completed extension application via email to: cleoffice@nycourts.gov.

It will take approximately 30-45 days for your application to be processed. The Board may grant an extension of up to ninety (90) days, based on undue hardship or extenuating circumstances. You should continue to fulfill any remaining CLE requirements while awaiting the Board's determination, which will be emailed to you.

The CLE section of the biennial attorney registration form contains a certification for attorneys who have applied to the CLE Board for an extension of time. Once you have applied for an extension, you may sign this certification and submit your biennial attorney registration form with the required fee. If you are granted an extension of time, please submit an "Attorney Registration Continuing Legal Education Update Form" to update your records after you have completed your CLE requirement. You will receive this Update Form only after you have been granted an extension of time.  

January 2023