How Online CLE Can Boost Your Legal Career

As the median age for lawyers continues to drop, more attorneys are choosing online CLE to fulfill their mandatory requirements. In jurisdictions that allow it, taking CLE courses online allows attorneys to complete their credits on their own time, as opposed to taking time out of their busy days to take in-person seminars far away from their offices.

These factors contribute to the ongoing popularity of online continuing legal education. The convenience factor cannot be beat. The ability to complete credit requirements in the convenience of one’s own office or home makes staying on top of CLE easier than ever. Providers such as NBI make it exceedingly easy for attorneys to complete requirements and keep track of their CLE credits. These are just some of the benefits of taking CLE courses online.

Benefits of Online CLE

As mentioned previously, there are several benefits to taking online Continuing Legal Education courses. Here are just some of the benefits online CLE can offer busy attorneys:

• Flexibility and Convenience

Online CLE allows attorneys to complete their continuing education from anywhere, at any time. Whether you're at the office, at home, or on the go, you can access courses that fit around your busy schedule. Providers such as NBI offer on-demand content, enabling you to learn at your own pace without disrupting your workday.

• Cost Effectiveness

Compared to traditional, in-person CLE programs, online CLE is more affordable. There are no travel, lodging, or event fees involved, and many providers offer subscription models or discounted course bundles. This makes it an economically efficient way to fulfill CLE requirements.

• Course and Topic Variety

NBI offers thousand of courses across numerous legal topics that matter to attorneys. These topics cover ethics, estate planning, litigation, employment law, and more. The sheer variety of topics NBI offers allows attorneys to tailor their education to their practice while keeping current with developments in their fields.

• Accessibility Across Different States

Licensed in more than one jurisdiction? No problem! NBI offers accreditation in most jurisdictions. This makes it easier than ever to economize on CLE while ensuring you can complete your credits no matter where you practice law.

Why Online Continuing Legal Education Matters

Online continuing legal education goes beyond earning CLE credits. It allows attorneys to stay on top of the latest developments in their fields, saving them hours of research.

• The Importance of Continuing Legal Education
  Continuing Legal Education (CLE) refers to the mandatory ongoing education required for licensed attorneys to stay current with legal practices, ethics, and changes in the law. As legal landscapes evolve, CLE ensures that attorneys remain competent and well-informed, protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. CLE requirements vary by jurisdiction, but they generally cover specific credit hours attorneys must complete within a set timeframe.
• Traditional CLE vs. Online Continuing Legal Education
  Traditional CLE courses require attorneys to attend in-person seminars, workshops, or conferences, which can be time-consuming and costly, especially when factoring in travel and accommodation. In jurisdictions that allow it, online continuing legal education provides a flexible and cost-effective alternative. Attorneys can access courses from the comfort of their home or office. This digital option eliminates the need for travel while offering the same quality of education, sometimes even in more specialized areas of law.
• How Online CLE Courses Help Attorneys Fulfill Their Licensing Requirements
  Online CLE courses are designed to help attorneys meet their licensing requirements by offering accredited, jurisdiction-approved courses across a wide range of legal topics. Whether it’s a live webinar or an on-demand course, attorneys can select courses that fulfill their mandatory credits, including specific requirements for ethics or particular practice areas. NBI tracks an attorney’s progress and provide certificates of completion, making it easier to submit proof of compliance to their state bar.

Choosing the Best Online CLE Courses

With many states relaxing requirements for in-person continuing legal education courses, busy attorneys have more options than ever when selecting a provider. Here are some of the things to look for when deciding which online CLE provider is best for you:

• Accreditation Standards

When selecting online CLE courses, it’s crucial to ensure they meet the necessary accreditation standards for your jurisdiction. Always confirm that the courses you choose are accredited in your practicing state, especially if you are licensed in multiple jurisdictions.

• Course Content Quality

The quality of course content is equally important. Look for courses taught by experienced attorney subject matter experts who can provide up-to-date and practical legal insights. The best online continuing legal education platforms offer a mix of foundational and specialized content to meet diverse learning needs. Reading reviews or researching the instructors can help you evaluate content quality before enrolling.

• Course Formats

Another key consideration is the course format. Some attorneys prefer on-demand CLE courses such as CLE-Accredited Podcasts, which allow for flexible, self-paced learning. Others may benefit from the interactive nature of live webinars, which often include Q&A sessions and real-time discussions with instructors. Depending on your learning style, you can choose between live or on-demand options. Providers such as NBI typically offer multiple options upon purchase.

• Balancing Time and Budget When Choosing Courses
  Balancing time and budget is essential when selecting CLE courses, especially for busy attorneys. If you're pressed for time, on-demand CLE courses are a great option, as they can be accessed anytime and completed at your own pace. This flexibility allows you to complete your credits during periods that fit your schedule, such as weekends or after hours. On the other hand, live webinars may help you stay on track by setting firm deadlines for participation.

While budget considerations are important, the quality of content is ultimately what should prevail. Subscription packages or bundle deals give you access to multiple courses at a discounted rate. This can be a more economical choice if you need a significant number of credits. Ultimately, you should make sure the courses you purchase provide maximum benefit to your practice. High-quality content contributes more to your professional development than lower-priced options.

The Advantages of Completing CLE Online

Completing CLE online offers numerous advantages for attorneys, particularly in terms of flexibility and convenience. Online CLE allows legal professionals to complete their continuing education from any location and at any time, making it easier to fit learning into a busy schedule. Whether you're in the office, at home, or traveling, you can access a wide range of courses on-demand or attend live webinars without the hassle of commuting to in-person seminars.

Another significant benefit of CLE online is the cost-effectiveness. Online providers like NBI offer subscription models or bundled course packages, making it easier to manage costs while fulfilling CLE requirements.

Online CLE also provides attorneys with access to a broader variety of courses and topics than traditional in-person formats. From general practice areas to niche legal topics, providers such as NBI offer an extensive course catalog that caters to diverse legal needs. Attorneys can select from live interactive sessions or on-demand modules, allowing them to choose the format that best suits their learning style and professional needs.

The digital nature of online CLE ensures attorneys stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments. Course content is rapidly updated to reflect changes in laws, regulations, and case studies, providing relevant, timely information that helps legal professionals stay competitive in their practice.

The Best Online CLE Providers for Legal Professionals

When evaluating online CLE providers, there are several factors to consider when differentiating between providers. Ultimately, it depends on several factors, including the following:

• Reputation

New CLE providers pop up every day. Thought their prices may be attractive and their platforms may be flashy, this doesn’t mean their courses are backed by a long-standing reputation that speaks to quality. NBI has been offering high-quality CLE courses for 40 years. This reputation means every course you take will be taught by expert faculty who are accomplished attorneys, professors or judges. Their breadth of legal and business acumen enables them to offer valuable insights and actionable information.

• Course Variety and Specialization

Many providers provide bundles that only cover the basics of particular practice areas. NBI offers a variety of training paths, formats and topics that allow you to customize your online learning and get the information that is most actionable to your professional needs. Have a small practice that handles probate, family law and employment law? NBI has several options. Need specialized information on cannabis law, gun law, or other pressing legal issues? NBI’s size allows it to get you the courses you need when you need them.

• Support and Customer Service.

NBI’s industry-leading customer service department quickly responds to any questions you have. Unlike other providers, your request isn’t turned over to AI chatbots. Friendly customer service representatives are happy to field your requests via email, phone, and live chat.

Conclusion

With the flexibility, variety, and convenience of online CLE, there’s no reason to put off your continuing education. By selecting high-quality online CLE courses from NBI, you can stay ahead in your practice and meet your legal education requirements effortlessly.

At NBI, we’re proud to be among the best online CLE providers, offering legal professionals the tools they need to succeed in their careers. Explore our catalog of CLE online courses today and take the next step in your legal education journey.