How to Get the Most Out of CLE Credits

How to Get the Most Out of CLE Credits

For senior legal professionals, Continuing Legal Education (CLE) is more than just a regulatory requirement—it is a strategic investment in yourself and your career. But as your schedule fills with demanding clients, leadership responsibilities, and mentoring junior associates, it’s easy to question how to squeeze additional value out of those CLE requirements. That’s where the challenge is, but opportunity lies. By being intentional with your non-billable hours, you can go beyond meeting CLE requirements and position yourself as a thought leader in the profession.

Turn Speaking Engagements into Strategic CLE Credits

Have you considered turning your hard-earned expertise into a platform? Speaking at conferences, seminars, or webinars doesn’t just check the CLE box—it projects your authority as a senior partner within your practice area. Sharing your knowledge allows you to strengthen your reputation, both within your firm and the greater legal community. Plus, these speaking engagements often qualify for CLE credit (sometimes extra credit).
Consider that you have to participate in CLE regardless. Would you rather spend hours passively listening to content, or actively contributing to the profession while fulfilling your requirements? Even better, public speaking provides an inevitable ripple effect—it builds your network, keeps you sharp on emerging legal trends, and attracts potential clients who see you as the go-to expert in your field.

Collaborate to Educate

Senior partners don’t work in isolation—so why not leverage the collective brainpower of your firm? Collaborative CLE efforts can be another productive way to earn credits. Host or participate in roundtable discussions, panel events, or internal training sessions. Not only do these opportunities qualify for credit, but they encourage knowledge sharing within the firm, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. They also provide your junior associates with access to you and your collective insights harnessing fulfilling that access you discussed when bringing on those new employees.
Leading these learning initiatives reinforces your leadership role and invites constructive discussions that can elevate your firm's overall practice standards. Helping your associates see you as an approachable mentor, boosting firm loyalty and morale along the way.

Write to Educate While Earning CLE Credits

Few senior partners consider this, but drafting scholarly articles, practice insights, or case analysis not only elevates the legal profession but may also qualify for CLE credits depending on jurisdictional guidelines. Writing gives you the freedom to engage deeply with issues that matter most to your specialty, showcasing expertise and influencing the broader legal community.
The process of writing sharpens your own understanding and ensures you stay current in industry developments. Plus, a well-placed article in a respected legal publication can enhance both your professional standing and your firm's reputation.

Take Advantage of Online Options

While in-person sessions allow for networking, senior partners often face tough schedules. Online CLE formats can be key to maintaining flexibility while earning credits. Whether pre-recorded sessions or live web-based events, virtual CLE options often fit into smaller time windows, offering convenience without compromising quality.
More importantly, online platforms frequently offer specialized courses that allow you to refine niche skills or explore cutting-edge legal subjects. This ensures that even your non-billable hours contribute strategically to your professional growth.

View CLE Credits as a Career Investment

Every minute you dedicate to CLE is a minute you could invest elsewhere in your career or personal life. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that time is spent wisely. CLE is not a checkbox; it’s a chance to evolve, sharpen your skills, and cement yourself as a leader. Whether it’s through speaking, writing, mentoring, or learning, there are numerous ways to make CLE more fulfilling and impactful.
Remember, every high-achieving senior partner brings continuous learning to the forefront of their professional development. It’s that commitment to growth—and using non-billable hours effectively—that sets great leaders apart from good ones.
The next move is yours. How will you ensure your CLE commitments work as hard for you as you do for your firm? Take stock of your opportunities, research your options, and make earning credits a strategic advantage in your legal career.