FREE On-Demand Video CLEs.

It's August, that time when one-third of Minnesota attorneys will be entering their next CLE reporting period. As many of you know, in 2020, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued an order, allowing attorneys licensed in the state to claim more on-demand video CLEs toward their 45 required credits. The court order initially raised the allowed on-demand credits from 15 to 30. The order further stated that the allowed on-demand credits would become unlimited as of January 1, 2024, for courses viewed and reported after that date. Thus, Minnesota licensed attorneys are now allowed to apply approved, on-demand CLE credits toward their ENTIRE 45 credit requirement every three years.

This creates a wonderful opportunity for Minnesota attorneys looking to streamline their acquisition of needed CLE credit, while still improving their practice skills, adapting to changes in the law, and maintaining the same high level of their own professional development. It's particularly helpful for practitioners who live and work outside the metro, and those attorneys working from home.

Fulfilling this is now easier than ever and doing so is more within reach of attorneys who are trying to limit their expenses. Money's tight these days, but you don't need to compromise on your professional requirements. It's win-win. 

It's becoming easier (at least at the time of this writing) to find coveted Elimination of Bias and Ethics courses, along with courses in the new Mental Health category.

It is now possible to obtain most, if not all, of one's CLE requirement for free or low-cost. The Minnesota State Bar Association is offering an unlimited season pass for access to all of their on-demand CLE content. The cost for this is $550 for members, $950 for non-members. If you buy this pass at the tail end of your 3-year reporting period, it is possible to fulfill your present reporting period and also the next reporting period--6 years of coverage. 

For those looking to save even more, a number of places offer free on-demand CLEs. I will list a few sources: 

Mitchell Hamline offers dozens of free, on-demand video CLEs to alumni, including several from Mitchell Hamline's Health Law Institute.

The Hennepin County Law Library offers several live streaming and on-demand CLEs free of charge to anyone. You just need to submit your name to ensure CLE credit.

St. Thomas School of Law offers several on-demand CLEs, many of which are free for all. A sign in is required.

The Minnesota Attorney General's Office offers several free CLEs, both in-person and on-demand. They also offer some paid on-demand courses, for modest fees.

 

Practitioners' Corner: Belly Up To The CLE Buffet And Knock Out Two Reporting Periods.

If you're a Minnesota attorney, you may be looking to find more efficient and cost-effective ways to acquire your necessary CLE credits. Prior to Jan 1, 2024, a practitioner could apply up to 30 hours of approved on-demand video credit out of the 45 hours total needed for a 3-year reporting period. However, for on-demand CLEs viewed and reported after 1/1/2024, there is no cap on the hours of credit. That's right, folks, you can satisfy your entire 45 hour CLE requirement for the upcoming 3-year reporting period, from the comfort of your home or office, at whatever times are convenient! If you want to knock out CLEs while in your pajamas at 3AM, no one's stopping you.

Here's where my idea comes into play. Getting those CLE credits, whether on-demand or in-person, scheduled into your busy life. And save some money, while you're at it. There's a method I've done a couple times, and I know of other attorneys who have done it, as well. Don't worry, it's all legit.

For practically forever, Minnesota CLE has offered Season Passes, a sort of prix fixe, all-you-can-eat buffet of CLE presentations. The Season Pass lasts one year, and they have three flavors to choose from: In-Person Pass, Online Pass, and a Super Pass that encompasses both in-person and online CLEs. The Season Passes range in price from $1295 to $1895, with a discount if you're a MSBA member or have bought a Season Pass before. If you're a new lawyer, admitted to the bar for less than 5 years, you get the pass for half price.

So here's the cool part. There is no reason why you couldn't use one Season Pass to cover two reporting periods. Yes, you can satisfy 6 years of CLE reporting in one fell swoop. You just buy the Season Pass 6 or so months before your current reporting period runs out. Attend or view the 45 hours of CLEs, then report that summer. Then when your new 3-year reporting period starts, you have 6 or so months to take another 45 hours of CLEs, thereby satisfying your reporting requirements again.

The Pause That Refreshes.

I am at the juncture in my career, and life, where I need to downshift. At this time, I am pausing my law practice, in order to focus on other endeavors in my life. Is this "retirement"? Maybe, but I am keeping my options open. Kind of one foot on either side of the retirement line. I maybe very well restart my practice at a later date. Or I may call it a day entirely and retire. 

Therefore, until further notice, I will no longer be accepting new clients, nor will I be providing any representation. 

For now, I plan to keep my law license active, in case I decide to restart my practice at some point down the road. I will continue to maintain custody of files of my previous clients' matters, for a duration of 6 years after completion of representation.

From time to time, I will continue to post articles on this blog, pertaining to estate planning, professional development, and other topics that may be of interest to others.

If you are in need of legal representation, here are some helpful resources in Minnesota you can turn to, to find legal counsel.

Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral.

Minnesota Lawyer Referral.