Hosting Cle Courses: Can Law Firms Do It?

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) is a form of professional education for attorneys that is mandatory in many US states and territories, as well as some jurisdictions outside the US. CLE credits are awarded for completing accredited courses, and these credits are necessary for attorneys to maintain their licenses to practise law. CLE courses can be offered by state bar associations, national legal organisations, law schools, and private enterprises, and are usually open to all lawyers. While some attorneys have criticised CLE requirements as a waste of time or even unconstitutional, CLE courses are designed to ensure that lawyers remain up-to-date with the latest legal trends and best practices. Law firms can host CLE courses, and in some jurisdictions, experienced attorneys can earn CLE credits for teaching or speaking at these courses.

CLE credits and accreditation

CLE, or Continuing Legal Education, is a form of professional education for attorneys that is mandatory in many US states and territories, as well as some jurisdictions outside the US. CLE credits are awarded for completing accredited courses, and these credits are necessary for attorneys to maintain their licenses to practise law.

The number of CLE credits awarded for a course depends on its duration. For example, in New York, 25 minutes of a course equals 0.5 CLE credits, 50-74 minutes equals 1 credit hour, and so on. CLE credits can be earned through classroom training or distance education courses, including online courses, audio downloads, and webinars.

Some jurisdictions, such as New York, also allow experienced attorneys to earn CLE credits by contributing to the legal field in other ways. For example, attorneys can earn credits for speaking or teaching at accredited CLE programs, teaching law courses at accredited law schools, providing pro bono legal services, or publishing legal research-based writing.

There are many providers of CLE courses, including state bar associations, national legal organizations, law schools, and private enterprises. CLECenter.com, for instance, is an accredited CLE provider for the states of New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Florida, Virginia, Texas, Washington, and more.

While CLE requirements are generally well-accepted, some attorneys have resisted them as unnecessary or unconstitutional. However, in 1999, the Supreme Court of California upheld the state's CLE program against an Equal Protection Clause constitutional challenge.

Online CLE courses

These online CLE courses cover a range of legal topics, such as immigration law changes, strategies for avoiding grievances, and ethical considerations in the legal profession. For instance, LawPay CLE offers free webinars on legal topics, providing practical tips on strengthening client relationships and navigating the attorney disciplinary system. Their webinars also cover specific areas of law, such as immigration law, where they provide guidance on understanding policy changes and regulatory shifts.

In addition to the flexibility they offer, online CLE courses also provide convenience to busy legal professionals who may have difficulty attending in-person training. For example, a lawyer on Reddit shared their experience of taking a live Zoom seminar on state tax law, which was the only affordable option available to meet their state's annual live CLE participation requirement.

The format of online CLE courses can vary, with some being offered as live webinars, while others are available on-demand through audio or video downloads. These on-demand options allow legal professionals to earn CLE credits at their own pace and schedule. CLE credits are typically calculated in increments of 25 minutes, with 25 minutes equalling 0.5 CLE credits.

CLE compliance and requirements

CLE, or Continuing Legal Education, is a requirement for legal professionals to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. CLE compliance and requirements vary by state and are subject to change, so it is important to refer to the specific rules and regulations of the state(s) in which one is licensed to practice.

In the state of Colorado, for example, attorneys are required to complete 45 CLE hours during each compliance period, with seven of those hours devoted to professional responsibility. The seven hours dedicated to professional responsibility must include a minimum of two credit hours in the area of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, as well as a minimum of five credit hours in legal ethics or legal professionalism. The compliance periods typically span three years, beginning on the date of admission or certification and ending on December 31 of the third full calendar year following. For instance, if an attorney is admitted to practice in Colorado on May 10, 2019, their first compliance period would be from May 10, 2019, to December 31, 2022. The subsequent compliance period would then commence on January 1, 2023, and conclude on December 31, 2025, assuming active status is maintained throughout. It is important to note that CLE activities must be completed by December 31 of the final year in the compliance period, but reporting can be done by the following January 31.

CLE credits are typically awarded in specific categories, such as "Ethics and Professionalism," "Skills," "Law Practice Management," "Diversity, Inclusion, and Elimination of Bias," and "Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Data Protection." The credit calculation is based on increments of 25 minutes, with 25 minutes equalling 0.5 CLE credits. While some states may have specific requirements, such as Colorado's emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusivity, it is essential to refer to the rules of each state to ensure compliance.

To meet CLE requirements, legal professionals can attend live seminars, webinars, or online courses offered by accredited CLE providers. These providers often offer a range of topics covering the latest legal trends, best practices, and industry updates. Additionally, some providers allow customization of course bundles to meet specific needs, ensuring compliance with state requirements. CLECenter.com, for instance, is an accredited CLE provider for several states, including New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Florida, and Texas. They offer a range of delivery formats, including classroom settings and digital options, to cater to different learning preferences.

CLE course topics

CLE, or Continuing Legal Education, is an important aspect of legal professionals' careers, helping them stay updated with the latest legal trends, gain new insights, and fulfil their credit requirements. CLE courses cover a wide range of topics to cater to the diverse needs of attorneys, paralegals, and other legal professionals.

One popular topic for CLE courses is Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Data Protection. With the increasing digitalisation of legal work and the sensitive nature of legal information, understanding cybersecurity and data protection is crucial for legal professionals. These CLE courses aim to enhance attorneys' professional legal competency in this area and cover topics such as ethical considerations, privacy laws, data protection strategies, and the technical aspects of cybersecurity.

Law Practice Management is another topic that CLE courses often focus on. This subject area provides legal professionals with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage their practices, including improving client relationships, communication strategies, and marketing their firms. CLE courses in this field may cover topics like time management, client intake processes, billing and fee agreements, and utilising technology to streamline legal practice management.

Additionally, CLE courses often delve into Ethics and Professionalism, which is a fundamental aspect of the legal profession. These courses explore ethical issues that legal professionals encounter in their daily practice, such as conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and attorney-client relationships. They also emphasise the importance of maintaining professionalism, upholding the integrity of the legal system, and adhering to ethical guidelines set by state bar associations.

Another topic of interest in CLE courses is Diversity, Inclusion, and Elimination of Bias. With an increased focus on diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, these courses aim to raise awareness of unconscious biases, promote cultural competency, and foster inclusive practices within the legal field. They may cover topics such as implicit bias in the courtroom, diverse jury selection, and strategies for creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Furthermore, CLE courses may cover a range of specialised legal areas to help attorneys stay updated with changes in the law and develop expertise in specific practice areas. For example, courses on immigration law, cannabis law, or specific areas of practice like family law, corporate law, or environmental law. These courses ensure that legal professionals remain well-versed in the latest regulatory shifts, case law, and legal strategies within their chosen specialisations.

CLE providers and platforms

One prominent CLE provider is CLECenter.com, which offers accredited online courses across multiple US jurisdictions and various practice areas of law. CLECenter.com caters to small, medium, and large organizations, providing 24/7/365 access to unlimited programs for legal staff. They offer two main options: the Compliance Bundle, which includes pre-selected state-approved courses covering general and specialty credits; and the Build-your-Bundle option, where users can individually curate their own playlists of courses from their comprehensive library. CLECenter.com also provides a dedicated team of CLE counselors who offer individualized customer service, helping attorneys navigate their specific educational needs and requirements.

Another notable CLE platform is LawPay, which offers a robust catalog of live and on-demand CLE seminars covering the latest legal trends and best practices. LawPay's webinars provide practical tips on strengthening client relationships, navigating the attorney disciplinary system, and more. Their speakers are engaging and informative, as evidenced by positive testimonials from attendees. LawPay also offers a collection of webinar recordings, e-books, how-to guides, and white papers to help legal professionals enhance their practice management skills.

In addition to these platforms, there are numerous other CLE providers and opportunities. These include state bar associations, national legal organizations like the American Bar Association, law schools, and private enterprises like SproutEd. Some jurisdictions, like New York, also allow attorneys to earn CLE credits by speaking or teaching at accredited CLE programs, participating in panel presentations, teaching law courses at accredited law schools, and engaging in pro bono legal services. CLE credits can even be earned through reading and other self-study methods, providing flexibility for legal professionals to meet their continuing education requirements.

Overall, CLE providers and platforms play a crucial role in helping legal professionals stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, ensuring they maintain their ethical standards and enhance their practice.

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