Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

As any attorney knows, Continuing Legal Education courses are required in many states, including New York, for an attorney to maintain the ability to practice law after passing a bar exam. New York’s rules can be viewed at www.courts.state.ny.us/attorneys/cle.While there is no shortage of companies and organizations offering CLEs, it can be difficult to find low-cost or free classes, particularly those geared towards public interest, non-profit, or pro bono work.

• One thing to keep in mind is that New York and several other states now accept pro-bono work for CLE credit. The New York State CLE Board rules require that providers offer financial assistance based on financial hardship. Look for the scholarship policy of providers whose courses you are considering. Under the CLE rules, the CLE Board defines pro bono as “uncompensated legal services within the State, for clients unable to afford counsel.” The program must be accredited by the CLE Board or be done as a court assignment. Under this new rule, passed January 1, 2000, 6 hours of accredited pro bono work equals 1 CLE credit, not to exceed 6 credits every 2 years. More information and details of this ruling in New York can be found on Pro Bono New York State Bar Association Web site. This web site also hosts a newsletter and a guide that may be a helpful resource to attorneys. Affairs, the
• The New York State Continuing Legal Education Board has a listing of Pro Bono CLE Providers as of Aug. 28, 2007 in PDF format available for download. The board also features a helpful list of pro bono CLE FAQs and a Regulations and Guidelines section.
• Information for other states can be found at the Center for Pro Bono of the American Bar Association Web site
• The American Bar Association also offers some free online CLE courses of interest to public service and public interest practitioners, available in formats that include MP3 downloads. There is a range of course offerings for ABA members. Check your state requirements to be sure these courses will be accepted for credit.

Community Legal Resource Network (CLRN) Membership

If you are in solo or small firm practice, or are thinking of this type of practice as a career option, contact CUNY Law Alums Fred Rooney (’86) at rooney@mail.law.cuny.edu or Lisa Reiner-Sotelo (’90) at lisa.reiner-sotelo@mail.law.cuny.edu at CUNY Law about the Community Legal Resource Network (CLRN). Fred is the Director of CLRN and Lisa, the Associate Director.

You can become a member of CLRN free-of-charge, share your experience and learn from the hundreds of other CLRN members who participate in this nationally recognized network of community-based lawyers who, in the spirit of CUNY Law, collaborate with each other in their quest to increase access to justice.

CLRN members are encouraged to participate in the active listserv and Practice Groups (Immigration, Labor and Employment, Family Law) and to engage in community service opportunities. They also are eligible to participate in low-cost CLE courses designed to enhance the quality and viability of solo and small firm practice.