so you’ve got responsibility for cle or what you need to know if the bomb drops!
TRANSCRIPT
So You’ve Got Responsibility for CLE
Or What You Need to Know if the Bomb Drops!
CT, DC, IL, MA, MD, MI, NE, NJ, SD
AK
Where to turn for CLE information
Local jurisdiction West’s LegalEdCenter (interactive map) PLI (quick and dirty text summary) Reqwired (CLE reciprocity table)
CLE Requirements
Who needs the CLE?What are they thinking of doing for CLE?Where are they located? When do they need to have their CLE done?
Traditional “Live” Program
Single speaker or panelLed by subject-matter expertLecture formatDuration: 1 hr. – several days
In-House
Typically 1 hour Often at lunch time Narrow subject May be video-conferenced Speaker resources
– Inside firm– Outside organizations– Vendors
In-House
Challenges – Find, coordinate, and confirm speaker– Reserve and set up venue– Video- or audio-conferencing:
Arrange for equipment Coordinate with remote locations Double check set up before program Monitor transmissions during program
In House
More challenges– Order and confirm meal– Track attendees at multiple offices
External consultants
Question: How do you find an expert? Answer: Network, network, network
– Professional organizations (State Bar, local Bar, ABA, practice-specific sections)
– Law school professors– Ask a Librarian
And then there are Vendors ….
External Consultants
Partnering with Vendors Often overlooked Vendors in the legal field usually have subject
matter experts available to present a CLE program
External Consultants
Partnering with Vendors Added benefits – usually FREE and vendor
often provides meals Caveat: Check for state certification restrictions
on Vendors providing CLE
Client Development Seminars
Not exactly CLE – but…. Marketing opportunity for your library Business development opportunity for your firm Typically devoted to specific, highly topical
subject Provide food, handouts, in-house speakers
Audio/video programs
May be live or recorded In-house or purchased from commercial CLE
provider Many states are accepting these. Check with
the accrediting body in your state.
Webcasts and Web Programs
Webcasts – live programs carried over web Web programs – archived programs carried
over web More states are accepting these for CLE credit
Promoting CLE programs
Advertise EARLY for in-house presentations Create graphic invitation that may be emailed
internally and printed as a flyer for posting To encourage participation, ask a section head
to support a program by “strongly suggesting” that attorneys attend
Caveat: Some states require that even in-house programs be advertised publicly
Sample Invitation
Promoting CLE programs
Advertise EARLY for in-house presentations Create graphic invitation that may be emailed
internally and printed as a flyer for posting To encourage participation, ask a section head
to support a program by “strongly suggesting” that attorneys attend
Caveat: Some states require that even in-house programs be advertised publicly
Keeping track of CLE credits
Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s not
Homegrown methods
The hardest part of managing CLE is keeping track of details
Homegrown methods
For each program, you must:– Check the state(s) requirements for pre- and post-
certification … and Fees– Advertise appropriately– Use the approved sign in sheets– Obtain/File Certificates of Attendance– Enter all this data in a CLE Tracking Database
Homegrown methods
CLE Tracking Database You don’t have to spend money Simply use Access or Excel For each attorney, include all elements
required by each state in which an attorney has CLE responsibility
KEEP UP!
Spending money
CLE Tracker Harraka Intellectual Software CLE provider software Reqwired
CLE provider software
West LegalEd Center State and local bars (MyAZBar.org, OCBar.org) Taecan and all the others….!
Best Practices
KEEP UP! This is very detailed work. Get/create the best CLE tracking database you
can. Time spent up-front will simplify your life forever.
KEEP UP! Collect pertinent information from every state in
which you will seek accreditation. KEEP UP!
Best Practices
Monitor changes in the CLE requirements in each state that affect you.
Call the CLE accreditation office in those states. Make friends. Ask them about suggested best practices and how to monitor changes.
Good Luck! (and….. KEEP UP!)