New Jersey pro bono law

Pro bono requirements in New Jersey.

Pro bono rules, reporting obligations, and CLE credit eligibility for New Jersey attorneys.

Overview

New Jersey Pro Bono Rules

Recommended

25 hrs/yr

Service

Voluntary

Reporting

Mandatory

CLE Credit

Rule Citation

RPC 6.1 + Rule 1:21-11 + Rule 1:21-12 (Madden)

Recommended Hours

25 hours per year (voluntary)

Reporting

Mandatory — Annual attorney registration process (online). Must report pro bono hours to claim Madden v. Delran exemption.

CLE Credit for Pro Bono

Not available

CLE Notes

New Jersey does not allow pro bono hours to be converted to CLE credit.

Eligible Case Types

Public interest legal services; indigent defense (Madden v. Delran court-appointed cases); civil legal matters for persons unable to pay.

Additional Notes

The 25-hour threshold is for Madden exemption — attorneys who certify 25+ qualifying hours are exempt from mandatory court-appointed indigent defense assignments the following year.

New Jersey CLE Requirements

Total Credits

24 / 2-year cycle

Deadline

December 31 (birth month groups)

Carryover

Yes (up to 12 hrs)

Required Categories

Ethics / Professionalism (5h)Diversity, Inclusion & Elimination of Bias (2h)

Sources

Last verified 2026-03-02. Rules may change — verify with your state bar before relying on this information for compliance decisions.

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Pro bono requirements in New Jersey.

New Jersey Pro Bono Rules

New Jersey CLE Requirements

Sources

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New Jersey laws

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