New Lawyer Program General Information

General Requirement

• Within 12 months following the date of admission as set forth on the certificate of admission, each person admitted to membership to the Kentucky Bar Association shall complete the New Lawyer Program.
• The program is offered twice a year, in January or early February and in conjunction with the KBA Annual Convention in May or June. 
• The program is free to members required to take it. Other attorneys may take the program at a cost of $250.00.

Exemption Circumstances

• The member is admitted to practice in another jurisdiction for a minimum of five years.
  • Use Form 9, Application for Exemption from Mandatory New Lawyer Program.
• The member has attended a mandatory new lawyer training of at least 12 credits, including 2 ethics credits, offered by the state bar in another jurisdiction and approved by the Director for CLE. Generally, only a partial exemption will be approved because the first day of the Kentucky NLP specifically concerns the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
• The member is an active member of the United States armed forces who has completed a mandatory new lawyer training of at least 12 credits, including 2 ethics credits, offered by the United States armed forces branch in which he/she is an active member, and approved by the Director for CLE.

Extension Circumstances

Hardship Extension

• Member demonstrates hardship or other good cause clearly warranting relief. Documentation is required. If approved, the member must complete the requirement as soon as reasonably practicable as determined by the Commission.
  • Use Form 8A, Application for Extension of Time for Completion of NLP.

Non-Hardship Extensions

• Where the member fails to demonstrate hardship or other good cause clearly warranting relief, the member must pay a fee of $250.00 and complete the requirement at the next regularly scheduled New Lawyer Program.
  • Use Form 8A, Application for Extension of Time for Completion of NLP.
• Where the member resides out-of-state and not practicing law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the member may apply for extensions in 1 year increments. It is the responsibility of the member to request annual renewal of this extension so long as he/she is not practicing law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  • Use Form 10, Application for One Year Time Extension to Complete NLP.