COMMUNITY behind the selection of your topic .
Select Speakers
Once your topic is selected , you need to identify your speakers . This can sometimes be an underutilized advantage to planning a CLE . Most first time CLE planners are nervous about asking people to speak at their event , but this fear is unfounded . People want to speak at your event , no matter how small you believe it is . I firmly believe that when planning a CLE your speaker should be someone you know or someone you wish you knew . If you select an attorney you know to speak at a CLE , you strengthen your relationship and invest in their career by giving them an opportunity to present on a topic that they are the expert on . Even if you have not seen that person in a while , they will appreciate that you remembered them and recognize their expertise . On the other hand , if you choose a speaker that you wish you knew , you get the opportunity to meet a leader in their field , expand your own knowledge base , and make a new contact . There is no reason why you cannot help your own career while planning a CLE that your audience will enjoy .
Plan the Program
In a post COVID-19 world , the first step to planning your first CLE program will be deciding whether the CLE will be virtual or in person . There are pros and cons to both . If the CLE is virtual , you are responsible for selecting the virtual platform and using that platform properly . There are companies that you can hire to run the virtual program for you . These companies sometimes even offer free training sessions to check your lighting and sound days before the program . These companies can also be expensive . If you are hosting a small CLE , you may simply want to operate Zoom yourself . Be prepared , however , for technical difficulties , and forgive yourself when they occur . Your audience will forgive you as well . If you choose to host the CLE in person , you must find a venue for the event . Law firms or a bar center are normally good options .
As for the program itself , I normally allow the speaker to completely determine how they want to present on a topic . If they want to prepare a PowerPoint and lecture for an hour , I will let them do that . If they want to identify a few other speakers to form a panel , I will allow that as well . If a speaker wants me to moderate a panel , I first have the speaker provide me with the list of questions they want to answer . I have also allowed speakers to simply field questions from the audience on a certain topic . The speaker will know what format they are most comfortable with and want to use , and I normally defer to the speaker ’ s preference .
Apply for CLE Credit
There are four different types of CLE credit : general , trial practice , ethics , and professionalism . According to the State Bar , “[ e ] thics programming instructs attorneys on requirements of the rules , provides attorneys with resources to avoid violations and helps attorneys understand how the rules protect the public .” Trial practice requires the discussion of evidence , civil practice and procedure , criminal practice and procedure , ethical conduct of litigation , or trail advocacy . For professionalism credit , the presentation must discuss the lawyer ’ s creed and professionalism concepts . For the complete requirements , please see the State Bar website .
Every type of CLE credit also requires written materials . The written materials can be the hardest part of the process , but it does not have to be . Most speakers do not have the time or the desire to draft written materials for a one-hour CLE . There are many people , in this situation , who choose to draft the written materials for their speakers . While there are certain situations where I agree with this approach – for instance if your speaker is a judge or significant public figure – I normally do not even give my speakers this option . Most attorneys , and especially experts in their field , have written articles or blog posts on topics that are their specialty . These prior papers can be used as the written materials for your CLE .
After you complete these four steps , you will have your first CLE planned . The practice of law is exciting , and CLEs can be a great way to expand your horizons as an attorney and learn new skills .
Good luck !
All the CLEs You Need
Atlanta Bar is your one-stopshop for your CLE needs , with opportunities to learn from experts in the field and network with your peers and area leaders . Need a more flexible CLE option ? We have a 24 / 7 on-demand library of archived Atlanta Bar CLE programs .
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