Your time is a valuable asset as a legal professional. Fitting in the fulfillment of your Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements shouldn’t be a challenge.
With the right provider, CLE can be an opportunity to sharpen your skills and expand your knowledge on your own terms. But with countless online CLE programs available, how do you distinguish the exceptional from the merely adequate?
The answer lies in identifying the key qualities that define a superior learning experience. A top-tier program isn't just about checking a box; it's about providing genuine value, flexibility, and a seamless user experience. This guide will walk you through the essential features to look for when selecting your next online CLE program, ensuring you invest your time and money wisely.
On-Demand + Live Access
The best professional development programs understand that your schedule is demanding and unpredictable. That’s why one of the hallmarks of a quality online CLE program is access options.
Look for a provider that offers a robust library of on-demand courses and videos as well as live webinars. This flexibility allows you (if accepted in your state) to complete your credits whenever, wherever, and how ever it is most convenient for you.
Automatic Proof of Completion
You’ve finished your course, and your CLE deadline is approaching. Many jurisdictions require some form of certification showing that you have completed a recognized CLE course or webinar. The last thing you need is a delay in receiving your certificate of completion, but some programs make you wait days for this.
A top online CLE program provides timely, automatic certificate delivery (provided you satisfy all the conditions and your state has approved the program). This simple but critical feature allows you to save and submit your documentation to the proper authorities promptly. It demonstrates a provider’s respect for your time and commitment to a smooth administrative process.
Extensive Library with a Variety of Practice Areas
Whether you specialize in a niche area or simply wish to broaden your professional horizons, your CLE provider should support your goals.
When evaluating continuing legal education options, thoroughly review their course libraries. Do they only cover the most common practice areas, or do they offer a diverse range of subjects? The best providers offer extensive catalogs that provide the opportunity to not only fulfill requirements but also to explore new interests and gain a competitive edge.
Engaging Content
Some CLE programs have you watch static recordings of lectures, which doesn't always make for the best viewing or learning experience. Today’s top CLE courses are designed specifically for the digital learning environment.
Look for programs that invest in high production values. Are the courses dynamic? Do they incorporate animations, graphics, and other visual aids to illustrate complex points? Are live webinars led by experts in the field who offer actionable insights? When a provider invests in creating compelling content and varying content styles, it signals that they are serious about delivering real educational value (with your time in mind), not just fulfilling a mandate.
Preview Feature
Before you purchase a Continuing Legal Education solution, see if you can watch a sample. A preview provides the most accurate insight into the program's production quality, teaching style, and overall user experience. It is the best way to determine if a provider’s offerings align with your standards and learning preferences. If a program isn't willing to show you a sample of their product, what does that say about their confidence in its quality?
Choosing the right online CLE program is a significant decision. BARBRI CLE courses and webinars are the go-to choice for professionals seeking top-tier continuing legal education. Developed by expert faculty from leading law firms, our CLE online courses are reliable and widely recognized.
Whether you’re looking for the convenience of on-demand learning or the real-time engagement of live CLE webinars with interactive Q&A sessions, BARBRI CLE offers unmatched flexibility to fit your schedule and simplify compliance.
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