CLE FAQ – ALL STATES

Why should I complete my CLE requirements through the National Academy as opposed to another company?
Consider the following when making your choice:
Accreditation – As our name indicates, we are national providers of continuing legal education. Purchase with confidence knowing we are directly approved with the highest possible level of state accreditation. For detailed information regarding our respective accreditations please contact our lecture coordinator toll free at 1-866-466-2253 ext 110
Service – Each attorney is provided with a dedicated CLE specialist who assists you from beginning to end. If you have any questions or should you need assistance your specialist is only a phone call away!
Content – Since 2000 the National Academy has been dedicated to providing the legal community with the most relevant information and techniques which are critical to the development of a attorney.
Formats – National Academy pioneered the first integrated self study CLE CD-ROM, dynamically enabling attorneys to listen to a given course, view course material as well as print certificate from the same page. Additionally, attorneys may take advantage of viewing the courses online as well as receiving audio cd’s at no extra charge. By providing quality courses on our innovative platform we thereby enable attorneys to satisfy their requirements efficiently.

Once my purchase is complete, how much time will I have to complete the courses?
The only deadline you need to be concerned with is your respective state deadline. CLE credits purchased NEVER EXPIRE; you may always substitute a course for another one so long as the credit amount is the same. However, if you've taken advantage of our Unlimited CLE promotion and purchased an Unlimited CLE subscription, your credits will expire at the end of your subscription.

Are your courses competitively priced?
First, self-study is much less expensive to take than live seminars without even considering all the billable hours saved. Courses offered by your local bar tend to be quite expensive as well. Our courses are competitively priced within the self-study arena. We will match any competitor’s price if you can provide documentation and if the offering is comparable.

If I get a few attorneys to purchase with me can you reduce my rate?
Yes. Please call one of our CLE Specialists to obtain a reduced group rate.

My friend has your materials can I use them?
Yes. As you must still pay for the credits please contact us to complete the transaction.

If I am an existing client who cannot find my log in information should I create new registration?
No. Simply contact your sales representative at (866) 466-2253 or send an email to info@nacle.com and we will get back to you with your log in information. You can also click here https://www.nacle.com/Login then click on the "forgot password" link.

Does NACLE report your CLE attendance?
There are different rules for different states, most states we service require attorneys report their own CLE compliance directly. NACLE strictly follows each states CLE guidelines and will therefore only report compliance when appropriate (Please call us should you be uncertain of your states requirement). You must include your bar number upon registration if you are licensed in a jurisdiction in which you rely on NACLE to report compliance.

How does your online Firm CLE tracking solution work?
The National Academy of Continuing Legal Education has developed the most advanced tool for complete management of all the CLE needs of your law firm. CLE Dashboard allows you to track the progress of every attorney in your firm ensuring CLE compliance across your firm – without the paperwork!

Our CLE Management System Features:

• Online, Interactive CD-ROMs, DVDs and Audio CDs for each member of the firm
• Online CLE accounts for attorneys to track their credits
• Online CLE management account for the CLE manager at your firm to easily view everyone's progress and to order more materials
• Generate your own CLE reports online
• Automatic email reminders of upcoming due dates
• How your law firm will benefit:
• Attorneys save valuable time and billable hours
• Your firm saves money with a low cost bank of CLE credits
• CLE compliance throughout your firm is ensured

What format of courses do you offer?
Depending on our specific state accreditation, we offer courses on Online, CD-ROM, DVD as well as audio CD. Our CD-ROMs contain MP3 files which can be uploaded to your iPod or MP3 player.

Does the CD-ROM work on a Mac?
Our CD-ROM is only compatible with the Windows operating system though Mac users can opt for online access which would work exactly the same is our CD-ROM. Additionally we can provide audio cds as well as the content on a disk made for Mac users. This disk contains mp3 files of our courses that can easily be imported into iTunes and/or transferred to your iPod.

How much are the shipping costs and what method of shipping do you use?
We ship all our CLE materials via Fed-Ex so that we can track the package and ensure prompt delivery. You can choose Fed-Ex overnight delivery ($15), Fed-Ex 2-3 Day ($10) or Fed-Ex Ground ($8) these prices are subject to change at any time.

Can I use my own FedEx number?
If you provide us with your Fed-Ex number to use to ship your package, you will not incur any additional shipping costs.

I lost my affidavit forms can you provide me with copies?
Yes, if you submitted your certificates electronically, they are easily accessible by logging in your account online. If you sent them in manually please call us and we can help provide a copy of your certificates.

How do I obtain the course notes?
You can obtain the course notes online within your account once logged in or at www.nacle.com/course-notes.aspx or you can visit our website at www.nacle.com and click on the “Coursenotes” link at the bottom of the screen. You will be asked to enter the course SKU (located on the face on each audio CD or on the course description page on the CD-ROM) and a PDF of the course notes will pop-up.

Can I process my affidavits from your website?
Yes, log into your account on our website www.nacle.com Simply click on the "Submit Affidavit" button within your account page. You will have instant access to your certificate as long as all the necessary required fields are entered. You may also fax or mail the certificates to NACLE and we will certify the certificates and mail or fax you the certified copies.

What is the turnaround time for me to obtain my affidavit forms?
Instantly, if you submit them through your account online. We process certificates physically mailed or faxed to us within 24 hours of receipt. If you indicate that you need your certificates sooner, we will try to process sooner.

Can you fax the affidavits to me?
We highly recommend online submission as it’s the most efficient method. However, we can fax, email or mail you affidavits back to you. Please indicate your preferred method of delivery.

Is there an additional fee to access my courses on my cell phone
There's no extra charge for using our service on your phone if you already have a data plan. However, your normal data rates will still apply. Check with your mobile service provider to find out what plans are available.

NEW YORK

Who can use your courses and what are the requirements for NY attorneys?
Attorneys who have been admitted to the New York Bar for more than two years are considered experienced attorneys and can take all of their courses with NACLE. Experienced attorneys must complete a total of 24 accredited CLE credit hours during each biennial reporting cycle (the two-year period between your attorney registrations). At least 4 of these credit hours must be in the Ethics and Professionalism category. The remaining credit hours may be in any category of credit.

How do I obtain credit for your courses?
Just listen to the courses in your preferred format, making sure to listen for the verification codes spoken at some point during course. Submit an Attorney Affirmation & Participant Critique and New York Certificate of Attendance for EACH course you are submitting for credit, complete the information requested, including the verification codes. You may receive your certified affidavit instantly by logging into your account. Alternatively, you may fax or mail the certificates to NACLE and we will certify the certificates and mail or fax you the certified copies. We will likewise maintain copies for a period of four years in the event you misplace your own. Please note that there may be more than one verification code per course depending on the length of a given lecture.

Can I process my affidavits from your website?
Yes, log into your account on our website www.nacle.com Simply click on the "Submit Affidavit" button within your account page. You will have instant access to your certificate as long as all the necessary required fields are entered. You may also fax or mail the certificates to NACLE and we will certify the certificates and mail or fax you the certified copies.

Do you send books along with your courses?
As per the NYS CLE Board, course materials must accompany each course. You can obtain course documentation online within your account or at www.nacle.com/course-notes.aspx or you can visit our website at www.nacle.com and click on the “Coursenotes” link at the bottom of the screen. You can either print up the materials or view them on your computer.

How do I obtain the course notes?
You can obtain course documentation online with in your account or at www.nacle.com/course-notes.aspx or you can visit our website at www.nacle.com and click on the “Coursenotes” link at the bottom of the screen. You will be asked to enter the course SKU (located on the face on each audio CD or on the course description page on the CD-ROM) and a PDF of the course notes will pop-up.

Are the codes in the books you send?
No, the codes are embedded within the audio component of the course ONLY.

Is a “grace period” automatically available to attorneys who fail to comply?
Yes.  An attorney is given one month to achieve or establish compliance or an exemption.  All applicable late fees must be paid.

Are attorneys required to maintain records proving compliance?
Each attorney subject to the CLE requirements must maintain certificates of attendance received for CLE activities for a period of four years.

Are you accredited in New York?
Yes, we have been approved with Accredited Provider status by the NYS CLE Board. For more information, please contact the NY CLE Board at (212) 428–2105 or click here http://www.nycourts.gov/attorneys/cle/aplist.pdf to view our NY CLE accreditation information

I’m a new attorney - can I use your courses?
A newly admitted attorney cannot fulfill their requirements through NACLE courses. To receive credit, newly admitted attorneys must take accredited transitional CLE courses in traditional live classroom settings, or through attendance at fully interactive videoconferences that have been approved by the CLE Board for use by newly admitted attorneys.

I’m a Florida and NY attorney can I satisfy the requirements for both states using your solution?
Yes. Please call one of our CLE Specialists to purchase a bundle that will satisfy the requirements of both states.

CALIFORNIA

How many general and ethics hours are required for California?  What are the state requirements? 
Total hours required every three years: 25 hours.

• Maximum "self-study" hours: 12.5 hours.
• Members must fulfill at least one-half of their MCLE requirement with activities approved for "participatory" MCLE credit.
• Special Requirements within the total hours required (may be taken as participatory or self-study):
  • Legal Ethics: 4 hours (required)
  • Detection/Prevention of Substance Abuse: 1 hour (required)
  • Elimination of Bias in the Legal Profession: 1 hour (required)

Can newly admitted attorneys complete their credit requirements through NACLE? Yes, a newly admitted attorney can fulfill all of their requirements through NACLE.    

How can I verify if you are accredited?
Please visit the California Bar’s website, www.calbar.org, click on the MCLE link on the left side of the page and click on Provider Information and Search at the bottom of the page. Click on Provider Search and enter our name, the National Academy of Continuing Legal Education.  You can also call the MCLE department at the California Bar at (415) 538 – 2155. Our sponsor number is 11481.

Does NACLE report your California CLE attendance to the California Bar?
No. After completing your requirements attorneys must report CLE compliance to the State Bar of California.

How does your CD-ROM work?
Our CD-ROM works on any Windows based PC or laptop. Simply insert the disk in your computer, click on the course you would like to listen to, complete the electronic sign-in and begin listening to the course.

What counts as participatory credit?
An education activity is participatory if a provider verifies the "participation." Provider verification consists of the following:

• The provider has the attorney sign in at the time of the activity (electronic sign-in is acceptable),
• The provider keeps a list of those who sign in, and
• The provider issues a certificate of attendance to attendees

NACLE fulfills all three of these requirements through our "Online" or CD-ROM formats.

Can I obtain participatory credit using your CD-ROM?
Yes, our CD-ROM based courses have been approved by the California Bar as participatory based on the electronic sign in to CLE CD-ROM. You can fulfill all 25 of your credits with our CD-ROM.

Can I use the audio CDs for participatory credit?
Yes. In order to receive participatory credit, the State Bar of California MCLE regulations require that you listen to the audio CDs and review the written materials in the presence of a witness. The witness does not need to be an attorney, but can be an attorney. Listening to Audio CDs (without witness affirmation) may be used for the self study half (12.5) of your MCLE requirement.

ILLINOIS

Are you accredited in Illinois?
Yes, all courses offered by the National Academy of Continuing Legal Education are approved for CLE credit in Illinois as the National Academy is an Accredited Provider in Illinois, please visit http://www.mcleboard.org Click on the "Find A Provider" link once there to view our accredation. Illinois attorneys can satisfy all CLE requirements through Online, CD-ROM, DVD and Audio CD formats.

How many hours of CLE activities are required?
CLE activity hour requirements for Illinois attorneys increase incrementally.  Every Illinois attorney subject to the Rules is required to complete certain hours each reporting period as outlined in the following chart:

Is there an ethics requirement?
Yes, a minimum of four of the total hours required for any two-year reporting period must be in the area of professional responsibility, which includes professionalism, issues involving diversity, mental illness and addiction issues, civility or legal ethics. After the MCLE Board approves a provider’s application to accredit a course, the Commission needs to review information submitted to the Commission from the provider for each course and activity offered to fulfill the professional responsibility requirement under Rule 794(d)(1) and conduct a substantive review. All of NACLE’s ethics courses have been approved by the Commission. Beginning with the July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012 reporting period for attorneys with last names beginning A-M, and for all reporting periods thereafter, the general MCLE requirement is 30 hours, including a minimum of six hours of professional responsibility credit.

Do special requirements apply to newly admitted Illinois attorneys?
Yes, every new Illinois attorney admitted to practice after December 31, 2005 must complete a Basic Skills Course, totaling at least 15 hours of instruction. The Basic Skills Course requirement must be fulfilled by the end of the month that marks the attorney’s one-year anniversary of admission to the Illinois bar. 

May CLE activity hours be carried over from one reporting period to another?
Up to 10 hours, including ethics hours may be carried over to the next reporting period.

May excess professional responsibility hours be carried over to satisfy the general CLE requirements?
Yes, if more than six hours of professional responsibility credits are earned in any reporting period, these excess hours may be carried over to the next reporting period subject to the overall 10 hours maximum limitation. However, professional responsibility hours may not be carried over to satisfy the professional responsibility requirement of a subsequent reporting period.

How is compliance with CLE requirements reported?
Attorneys must report their compliance with CLE requirements on a certification form that will be mailed to the attorney by the MCLE Director (“MCLE certification”). The attorney must complete the MCLE certification and submit it to the Board within 31 days after the end of the attorney’s reporting period (that is, no later than July 31).   The MCLE certification requires that the attorney state whether, with respect to the reporting period, the attorney: (1) has complied with the CLE requirements; (2) has not complied with them; or (3) is exempt.

May attorneys request that the Director send the MCLE certification by electronic mail and that they be permitted to file the MCLE certification electronically?
The Rules require that the MCLE Board mail a certification form to each attorney at the mailing address on file with the ARDC. Attorneys can then choose to report: (1) using the Board's online compliance reporting system; or (2) by returning the completed paper copy form by mail or delivery with the return envelope provided or the addresses listed on the Form. Attorneys who choose to report online must do so by 11:59 p.m. on July 31 following the last day of their two year reporting period.

What happens if an attorney fails to submit an MCLE certification?
Attorneys who fail to submit an MCLE certification within 45 days of their reporting date, or who file an MCLE certification stating that they have not complied with the CLE requirements during the reporting period, are notified by the Director of their noncompliance. Attorneys then have an additional 61 days from the original certification due date to achieve compliance and file a certification stating that they have complied with the CLE requirements or are exempt. The attorney must also pay a $150.00 late fee and submit it with the attorney's MCLE certification. The $150.00 late fee is required by MCLE Rule 796(d)(1) and the amount is set in the Fee Schedule issued by the Court. The Director does not send a notice of noncompliance to attorneys whom the Director knows are exempt. (Rule 796(b).)

Are attorney CLE records subject to audit?
Yes.  The MCLE Board may conduct audits under a plan approved by the Supreme Court of Illinois.

Are out-of-state attorneys who are active members of the Illinois bar exempt from CLE requirements?
An attorney who is an active member of the Illinois bar may be exempt from CLE requirements.  An exemption applies if:

• The attorney is also a member of the bar of another state;
• That state has a minimum continuing education requirement;
• The attorney is regularly engaged in the practice of law in that state; and
• The attorney has appropriate proof that he or she is in full compliance with the continuing legal education requirements established by court rule or legislation in that state.

Which states do not have the necessary minimum continuing education requirement?
The MCLE Board recognizes an exemption pursuant to Rule 791(a)(6) only where another state has a comparable minimum continuing legal education requirement. As of January 1, 2010, the MCLE Board has determined that the following states and district do not have comparable MCLE requirements:

• Alaska
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• South Dakota

All other states are considered as having the necessary minimum continuing education requirement.

What proof must be submitted to the MCLE Board to show compliance with the CLE requirements of another state?
Under the MCLE compliance process, attorneys claiming an exemption may be required to submit proof that they have met the CLE requirements of another state.

FLORIDA

What is the CLE requirement in Florida?
Over a three year period, each member must complete 30 hours, five of which are in the area of ethics, professionalism, substance abuse, or mental illness awareness. Each member is assigned a three year reporting cycle.

Are NACLE’s courses approved by the Florida Bar?
All of our courses are individually approved by the Florida Bar for CLE credit. Please call NACLE to request copies of our approval letters. If you have any additional questions, you can contact the Legal Specialization and Education Department of The Florida Bar at 850/561-5842 or clemail@flabar.org.

Can newly admitted attorneys complete their first cycle of CLE requirements through NACLE?
No, newly admitted attorneys in Florida must complete the Practice with Professionalism course and three Basic Skills courses.

Are National Academy of CLE courses approved for Florida Registered Paralegals credit by the Florida Bar?
Yes all of our courses are approved by the Florida Bar and have unique course numbers.

How many credits do I need in order to meet the FRP continuing education requirement?
A Florida Registered Paralegal must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years, 5 hours of which shall be in legal ethics or professionalism.

How do I report my CLE hours?
Go to www.floridabar.org and click “post your CLE course credits” Enter the course code that is on your certificate.

You can find out more information about Florida Registered Paralegal Program by going to: http://www.floridabar.org/frp.

How are attendance hours posted on my CLE record?
You may now post your CLE credit hours online. You will need to request a password prior to using any of the online functions. Please allow 5-7 days to receive your confidential password. Go to www.floridabar.org. Click on “Member Profile” on the right side of the web page and then click on “CLE Activity Posting”. A course number list will be included with every order. Use the codes on this list to enter your courses on the website. 

If I accumulate more than 30 hours, may I use the excess for my next reporting cycle?
Excess hours may not be carried forward.

Is there a grace period?
No, attorneys must comply by December 31 or the will be fined $150.

Where can I find the course codes to enter on the Florida Bar’s website?
After you listened to a lecture you will submit an affidavit for the course. The affidavit will prominently display the Florida course code. If you need assistance please call us toll free at 1-866-466-2253, we will either locate or assign a CLE Specialist to assist you promptly.

Washington

How many general and ethics hours are required for Washington State?
Washington Attorneys must complete 45 credits, including 6 credits in ethics, during each three-year reporting period. The compliance period ends Dec 31st and you must report before Feb 1st. 22.5 credits including the 6 credits in ethics, may be earned through self-study formats. National Academy of CLE is approved to offer 22.5 credits via Online, CD-ROM or audio cd formats.

How do I report the hours I completed?
You may now post all your CLE credits online! Post your credits online and watch your record update in real time. Simply visit the following website address: http://pro.wsba.org/MemberHome.asp. You will need your activity id number for each course completed. National Academy will provide you with these codes related to your purchase.

Do special requirements apply to newly admitted Washington attorneys?
If you are a newly admitted member, you are exempt from reporting CLE credits for the year of your admission and the following calendar year. For example, if you were admitted in 2008, you will not report for the reporting period 2007–2009, even though you are in Group 3. You will first report and certify credits at the end of the 2010–2012 reporting period. For your first reporting period, you may claim all CLE credits earned on or after your date of admission to the WSBA.

If I accumulate more than 45 hours, may I use the excess for my next reporting cycle?
Yes-you may carry-over a maximum of 15 credits towards your next reporting period. Of these 15 credits, up to 2 can be ethics credits and up to 5 can be A/V credits.

How do I know which reporting group I'm in?
WSBA members are divided into three MCLE reporting groups based upon year of admission.

• Group 1: Admitted through 1975, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009
• Group 2: Admitted in 1976 through 1983, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2007
• Group 3: Admitted in 1984 through 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005 and 2008

Colorado

How many general and ethics hours are required for Colorado?
Colorado attorneys must complete 45 credits, including 7 credits in legal ethics, during each three-year reporting period. Attorneys may obtain all 45 credits from self-study (also referred to as home study). National Academy of CLE offers all 45 hours via online, CD-ROM and audio cd formats. The compliance period ends Dec 31st and you must report by January 31st.

How do I report credits earned?
Attorneys must self-report completion of CLE. The Certificate of Completion issued by National Academy of CLE may be used to verify attendance.
Print a copy for your records and send a certified copy to:
State of Colorado Supreme Court Board of Continuing Legal and Judicial Education
1560 Broadway Suite 1820
Denver, CO 80202

If I accumulate more than 45 hours, may I use the excess for my next reporting cycle?
Colorado doesn’t allow any carryover credits.

Do special requirements apply to newly admitted Colorado attorneys?
The initial compliance period for newly admitted attorneys includes the balance of the year in which they are admitted plus the three subsequent calendar years.