Continuing Legal Education and Development

The legal industry is constantly evolving. At the federal level, lawmakers are debating many complex bills and reforms, from surveillance to immigration. And within private firms, legal professionals are relying on technological tools for business intelligence.

For some, these developments signal opportunity—opportunity to kickstart a legal career, advance within an existing one, or use their skills to effect positive change. In the same way a professional degree may help you get your foot in the door, continuing legal education and professional development are investments that may help you expand your legal knowledge and skills as you work toward achieving your career goals.

Continued learning and professional development may allow you to gain a competitive edge in the legal field. Employment in legal occupations is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

So, what continuing legal education and professional development resources are available to you? This guide explores different options for continuing legal education and professional development.

What is Continuing Legal Education (CLE)?

Continuing legal education, or CLE, is additional professional training and education that attorneys complete after initially passing the bar exam for their state. Different states and jurisdictions have different requirements for continuing legal education. Some schools or individuals may use the term CLE to refer to any education obtained after graduation.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) vs Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Continuing legal education (CLE) and continuing professional development (CPD) both refer to ongoing learning for legal professionals, but the terms are not always interchangeable. CLE is more commonly used in the United States for educational activities that help attorneys maintain competence and meet licensing requirements, while CPD is widely used in countries such as Australia, Canada, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and may include broader activities such as mentoring, teaching, writing, practice-management training, and independent study. Because terminology and qualifying activities vary, legal professionals should review the rules of the licensing authority in the jurisdiction where they practice.

Who is CLE and CPD in Legal Designed For?

CLE and CPD in the legal field are designed for attorneys who need to maintain their license, as well as other legal professionals such as paralegals and legal assistants who want to improve their professional skills.

Value of Continuing Legal Education and Professional Development

There are several benefits of continuing professional development in the legal field. Laws and regulations are always changing, and it’s important to stay up to date on your legal knowledge. You may find that your professional interests evolve over the years, and continuing legal education may allow you to explore new areas of law and perhaps shift your professional practice.

Most states require active attorneys to complete mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE), although requirements vary by jurisdiction and some do not impose a general CLE requirement. Depending on the applicable rules, attorneys may earn credit through live or online programs and may be required to complete courses in subjects such as legal ethics, professional responsibility, professionalism, elimination of bias, substance-use awareness, or malpractice prevention. Attorneys should verify current requirements with the licensing authority in each jurisdiction where they practice.

Credit Trainings and Degree Programs for Legal Professionals

There are a variety of options for continuing legal education whether you are a practicing attorney, a paralegal, or some other professional in the legal field. You may seek out credits, programs, and degrees that are recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA). As the primary governing and advocacy body of the legal profession in the United States, the ABA promotes quality legal education and professional conduct.

CLE Credits for Attorneys

The American Bar Association (ABA) offers continuing legal education through in-person events, live webinars and teleconferences, and on-demand audio or video programs. Courses cover a wide range of legal topics, and ABA members have access to hundreds of free CLE programs, with additional offerings available for a fee. Program length varies from approximately one-hour sessions to multi-day events. Because each jurisdiction establishes its own CLE requirements, credit calculations, approved formats, and mandatory subject areas, attorneys should confirm that a specific program qualifies for credit and review the current rules of every jurisdiction in which they are licensed.

Certificate Programs

The terms certificate and certification describe different types of credentials. A certificate is generally awarded after a student completes a non-degree education or training program, while professional certification is awarded by a credentialing organization after an individual meets established requirements, which may include education, experience, and an examination. For example, NALA – The Paralegal Association awards the Certified Paralegal (CP®) credential, and the National Court Reporters Association offers professional certifications for court reporters, captioners, and other specialists.

Legal certificate programs may be offered by colleges, universities, law schools, professional associations, or private education providers and may focus on areas such as paralegal studies, compliance, legal research, or specific practice areas. Program length, cost, admission requirements, and delivery format vary. Completing a legal certificate program does not by itself qualify a graduate to take a bar examination, obtain an attorney license, or practice law.

Degree Programs Offered by Schools

For those looking to move their career forward, transition between industries, or deepen their expertise in a specialty area, degree programs such as a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) may be viable options. While these programs share some similarities, they offer unique benefits to different legal professionals.

The interdisciplinary approach of the MLS may be suitable for people who need legal knowledge to advance in their profession but do not wish to practice law. The LL.M. on the other hand, is a specialized graduate degree for lawyers to extend their credentials in a specific field of practice. Most LL.M. programs require applicants to have earned their Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or an equivalent professional law degree

Degree programs require a greater time commitment than standalone certificates or courses. You may also need to prepare for various graduate admissions exams, such as the GRE, before applying for graduate programs. Though earning an advanced degree requires a lot of work, it can be a good long-term investment for your career.

American University

Master of Legal Studies

The online Master of Legal Studies program from American University Washington College of Law is designed for non-lawyers who could benefit from fundamental legal training but do not want to become practicing attorneys. The program offers industry-specific concentrations and certificates in Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology. Students who choose the Health Care Compliance track may be eligible to earn an additional certificate accredited by the Compliance Certificate Board (CCB). No GRE/LSAT required.

Complete in as few as 12 months
No GRE/LSAT scores required to apply
Four tracks available: General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology
Three certificates available: Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology

Fordham University

Master of Studies in Law

In as few as 12 months, learn to advocate for integrity at your organization with a flexible, online M.S.L. in Corporate Compliance from Fordham Law School. No GRE or LSAT required. Choose a program track—general, human resources, financial services, or health care—to gain industry-specific knowledge.

GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores not required to apply
Complete in as few as 12 months
Minimum two years’ compliance-related work experience recommended

Professional Certifications for Non-Lawyers

If you wish to work in the legal field but do not want to become a practicing lawyer, a career as a paralegal or another legal support professional may be an option. Depending on your career goals, you may consider voluntary paralegal certification, credentials for legal support professionals, or court reporter certification. National professional organizations offer several credentials, including the Accredited Legal Professional (ALP), Professional Legal Secretary (PLS), and Professional Paralegal (PP) credentials from NALS – The Association for Legal Professionals; the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential from the American Alliance of Paralegals; and the CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP) and PACE Registered Paralegal (RP) credentials from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.

Professional certification will show potential employers that you have the skills and experience necessary to work in different legal roles.

Online Courses and Trainings for Legal Professionals

Legal professionals and people working in related fields can use online courses to build knowledge in specific areas of law or strengthen skills relevant to their work. Course length, weekly workload, delivery format, admission requirements, and cost vary by provider. Some courses are self-paced and available on demand, while others follow a fixed schedule and include live instruction, assignments, or assessments. Participants may receive a certificate of completion, digital credential, or continuing education credit, depending on the course and the rules of the applicable professional or licensing organization.

Interdisciplinary legal courses can also supplement professional experience. For example, real estate professionals may study property law, healthcare compliance professionals may take courses in health law or privacy, and business owners or human resources professionals may benefit from training in employment law or workplace safety regulations. Before enrolling, prospective students should confirm the course content, credential awarded, and whether it qualifies for any required professional or continuing education credit.

Personal Development

In any profession, there are soft skills and volunteer experiences that could be helpful to your career. The same goes for legal professionals. Here are a few to consider:

Global languages. Having some fluency in other languages may help you to better serve a diverse array of clients, particularly in fields such as immigration or labor law. Just being able to greet someone in their preferred language can help foster a sense of trust and professionalism.

Money management. Law practices are businesses just like any other, and managing finances well is important for keeping the practice healthy and sustainable.

Communication and negotiation skills. While legal literature may seem impersonal at times, it’s important to remember that legal disputes involve real people. Communicating effectively allows you to better help clients navigate charged, complex situations.

Volunteering or interning in the legal departments of local nonprofits and organizations is one way to build these skills. There are many ways to further your development as a legal professional, and continuous growth may help you remain competitive in the complex, ever-changing field of law.

Continuing Legal Education and Professional Development in Legal Professions