Pro bono legal representation: providing legal representation to a pro bono client without compensation, expectation of compensation, or other direct or indirect pecuniary gain. (Rule 2U)
Pro bono client: one referred by an approved legal services provider or by a state or federal court program. (Rule 2T)
Approved legal services provider: defined in Rule 2B.
What organizations qualify as providers?
Organizations funded by the Legal Services Corporation or Minnesota Legal Services Advisory Committee, organizations designated by the Minnesota Legal Services Advisory Committee per Rule 2B(2), and state court or federal court programs.
A lawyer may claim 1 hour of standard CLE credit for every 6 hours of pro bono legal representation the lawyer provides to a pro bono client. The pro bono client must have been referred by an approved legal services provider or by a state court or federal court pro bono program.
There is a 6 CLE credit hour cap on pro bono hours for each 3 year CLE reporting period.
How to apply for pro bono CLE credit?
Fill out and mail or email the Affidavit of Pro Bono Representation to the CLE office (see Appendix II).
When will I know if CLE pro bono hours were approved?
CLE office staff will send a confirming email when the pro bono credits are added to your lawyer record.
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Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education
