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 as 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.
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.
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 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 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.
How do I obtain the SKU number?
SKU numbers can be found on each individual course detail page
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.
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.
I’m a NJ attorney only can I use your courses?
The state of New Jersey now mandates CLE requirements. As per BCLE Reg. 201:4 - New Jersey attorneys who are satisfying the CLE requirement of another state or who take courses approved in another state will receive 1:1 credit for courses approved in that jurisdiction through reciprocity. In summation, NJ attorneys may satisfy up to 12 credits with NACLE and may carry an additonal 12 credits
I’m a PA and a NY attorney. Can I use your courses to satisfy the
requirements for both states?
No. Our courses are not approved in Pennsylvania.
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.
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. You can fulfill all 25 of your credits with our CD-ROM.
Can I use the audio CDs for participatory credit?
No, audio CDs may only be used for half (12.5) of your MCLE requirement.
ILLINOIS
Are you accredited in Illinois?
Yes, we have been approved with Accredited Provider status by the MCLE Board of
the Supreme Court of Illinois. For more information, please contact the Board at
(312) 924–2420 or call NACLE to request documentation.
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:
First Letter of Last Name on Date Admitted to IL Bar
|
20 Hour Reporting Period
|
24 Hour Reporting Period
|
30 Hour Reporting Periods
|
|
A through M
|
July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2008
|
July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2010
|
Two-Year Period Beginning July 1 to June 30 of Subsequent Even Numbered Years
|
|
N through Z
|
July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2009
|
July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2011
|
Two-Year Period Beginning July 1 to June 30 of Subsequent Odd Numbered Years
|
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.
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?
Yes, but subject to a number of limitations or restrictions under Rule 794(c).
The following chart summarizes those limitations or restrictions:
CLE Activity Hours
|
Maximum Carryover
CLE Activity Hours
|
|
Hours earned on or after 1/1/2006, but before the first reporting period begins.
|
10 hours maximum carried over to first reporting period, except for professional
responsibility hours.
|
|
Hours earned in excess of requirements of the reporting period
|
10 hours maximum carried over to next reporting period, except for professional
responsibility hours.
|
|
Hours earned by newly admitted attorneys after satisfying the Basic Skills
Course Requirement
|
10 hours maximum carried over to first reporting period, except for professional
responsibility hours.
|
|
Professional responsibility hours in excess of requirements of the reporting
period.
|
May not be carried over to next reporting period to satisfy professional
responsibility requirement but may as general CLE hours.
|
May excess professional responsibility hours be carried over to satisfy
the general CLE requirements?
Yes, if more than four 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) for
general CLE requirements. 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.
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. They are then given until September
30 of that year to achieve compliance and file a certification stating that they
have complied with the CLE requirements or are exempt
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 only where another state has a
comparable minimum continuing education requirement. As of July 1, 2006,
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
- Nebraska
- 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
| Group | Report | Complete Credits | Certify Compliance |
| Group 3 | 2007-2009 | Dec. 31, 2009 | Feb. 1, 2010 |
| Group 1 | 2008-2010 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Feb. 1, 2011 |
| Group 2 | 2009-2011 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Feb. 1, 2012 |
Attorneys with specific questions can contact
Washington State Board of Mandatory CLE
1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600
Seattle, WA 98101-2539
Phone: (800)945-9722
Fax: (206)727-8313
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 doesnt 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.