As a staff attorney (employee), can i deduct any travel expenses (hotel, plane ticket, entrance fee) to attend a CLE (continuing legal education) employer won't pay for?

[DonMateo03]

10 CLEs per year is a requirement to upkeep my law license.  Nothing says I have to attend this out-of-state CLE, but nothing says I can't either.  Vaguely recall a rule saying that if it is necessary for your license and your employer won't pay for it, you can still deduct it.

[kerriP · Accepted solution]

Yes as a job related expense on schedule A.  These expenses will be limited to 2% of your AGI and ordinary and necessary. 

Common Job-Related Tax Deductions (Not reimbursed by your Employer)

• Legal fees related to doing or keeping your job.
• Licenses and regulatory fees as well as occupational taxes.
• Dues to professional groups, unions, or local trade groups.
• Education that is related to or required for employment.
• Work clothes and uniforms, and possibly upkeep costs.
• Subscriptions to professional journals and magazines related to your line of work.
• Medical examinations that are required by your employer.
• Depreciation on technology required to do your job.
• A home office or part of your home used regularly and exclusively for work.

[DonMateo03]

Is it true that the new (Trump) tax code eliminated these job-related deductions?  when does that new code go into effect?