Can an attorney listed on the Draft Suspension Order avoid suspension?
Absolutely, but attorneys must complete all CLE hours for the previous compliance year and pay all outstanding fees. If CLE hours are not immediately reported by the provider, the Commission will accept an Affidavit of Compliance (AOC) from the attorney to hold a suspension in abeyance until the provider reports the hours. If hours listed […]
Why do I owe money before a course will post?
Whether payment is required by the provider or an attorney, the two dollar ($2.00) per credit hour posting fee must be paid before the attendance will be counted toward compliance.
What is the latest I can get my hours without penalty?
The CLE compliance year runs from January 1 to December 31. Hours must be completed by 11:59:59 p.m. on December 31, or you will be assessed a $100 penalty. Your provider will report your attendance based on when you COMPLETE a course. If you begin a one-hour course at 11:45 p.m. on 12/31 and complete […]
What if I don’t have my hours by December 31st?
You will owe a $100 non-completion fee, and you will still be required to complete the required hours. The hours you earn following the close of the compliance year will first go toward your prior year shortage, then will count toward the new compliance year.
Are attorneys with inactive law licenses required to earn CLE?
No, attorneys on inactive status are not required to earn CLE. Before resuming the practice of law in any U.S. jurisdiction, attorneys are required to make up any CLE missed during the last two years.
I requested and received exceptional relief. If my situation/condition has not changed, do I need to apply again for exceptional relief?
Yes. Exceptional relief is provided only for the compliance year(s) specified in the Commission’s grant of such relief. It is not ongoing.
I lived outside of Tennessee and did not practice Tennessee law during the compliance year. Am I exempt from CLE?
Attorneys are not automatically exempt, but may be eligible to claim one of the exemptions enumerated in Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 21, Section 2. Other than the age exemption, exemptions must be claimed annually after the December 31 close of each compliance year by filing an online Annual Report Statement (ARS). Failure to timely file […]
What exemptions are available?
“The Commission shall recognize the following exemptions: (a) Nonresident attorneys from other jurisdictions who are temporarily admitted to practice for a case or proceeding shall not be subject to [Rule 21]; (b) Members of the Armed Forces on active duty shall not be subject to this Rule. Any attorney claiming active duty military exemption shall […]
Can attorneys go inactive with the Commission on CLE?
Yes, attorneys on any inactive status with the Board of Professional Responsibility, or who are otherwise exempt from Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9 under Section 10.3, are automatically designated as inactive with the CLE Commission, unless otherwise ordered by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Before resuming the practice of law in any U.S. jurisdiction, attorneys are […]
I took a CLE course outside of Tennessee or from an online provider that had not been approved for Tennessee CLE. What do I need to do to get credit for this course?
A course accredited in another state may qualify for credit in Tennessee. First, ask the provider to seek accreditation in Tennessee; most will do so. If the provider will not apply for course approval and accreditation, e-mail Attorney Services Specialist Angela Perry requesting instructions on how to submit a course or activity for approval and accreditation.