Of course. "CLE teaching for lawyers" is a fantastic and impactful career path. It combines legal expertise with education and professional development.

Here is a comprehensive guide covering what it is, why you should do it, how to get started, and best practices for success.

1. What is CLE Teaching?

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) is mandatory professional training that lawyers must complete to maintain their license to practice law. CLE teaching involves creating and delivering educational content to other attorneys on these topics.

Key Characteristics:

• Audience: Fellow lawyers, judges, and legal professionals.


• Purpose: To update practitioners on recent changes in the law, teach new skills (e.g., e-discovery, legal tech), and reinforce ethical obligations.


• Format: Live webinars, on-demand videos, in-person seminars, multi-day conferences, and written materials.


• Content: Can be highly substantive (e.g., "Recent Developments in Securities Law"), practical (e.g., "Voir Dire Strategies"), or ethical (e.g., "Navigating Conflicts in a Digital World").

2. Why Become a CLE Teacher? The Benefits

• Establish Yourself as an Expert: There is no better way to build your reputation as a thought leader in your niche.


• Marketing & Business Development: It's a powerful, high-value form of marketing. Attendees see you as a knowledgeable and trustworthy authority, which can lead to referrals and new clients.


• Intellectual Stimulation: It forces you to stay at the very top of your field, synthesize complex information, and think critically about your practice.


• Networking: You connect with other leading practitioners, judges, and potential clients.


• Additional Revenue: While not always the primary motivator, many CLE teachers are paid an honorarium or a percentage of the course revenue.


• Giving Back: You contribute to raising the level of competence and ethics within the legal profession.

3. How to Get Started: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify Your Niche

• An area you are passionate about.


• An area with recent, significant developments (new statutes, landmark cases, regulatory changes).


• An area where other lawyers struggle and need guidance (e.g., "Cryptocurrency for the General Practitioner," "AI Tools in Contract Review").

Step 2: Develop a Compelling Topic and Title

• Weak: "Updates in Employment Law"


• Strong: "The 5 Biggest Mistakes Employers Are Making with Remote Workers in 2024: A Legal and Practical Guide"


• Weak: "Contract Law"


• Strong: "Drafting Ironclad Indemnification Clauses: Lessons from Recent Litigation"

Step 3: Choose Your Platform

• CLE Providers: These are organizations dedicated to producing CLE.


• National Providers: Practising Law Institute (PLI), American Law Institute (ALI), National Constitution Center (NCC), etc. Highly competitive but great for reputation.


• State & Local Bar Associations: Your state bar, city bar, or specialty bar associations (e.g., ABA Sections). This is often the easiest entry point.


• For-Proefit Companies: WestLegalEd, LexisNexis, Lawline, etc. They often have a high volume of needs.


• Law Firms: Many mid-to-large firms run internal CLE programs for their attorneys. Volunteer to present. It's great practice.


• Solo/Small Firm Route: You can create and market your own CLE. This is more work but gives you full control and profit. You'll need to get your course accredited by your state's CLE board.

Step 4: Pitch Your Program

• Your Pitch Should Include:


• A catchy, descriptive title.


• A concise abstract (3-5 sentences) explaining what the course is about and why it's important now.


• A list of 3-5 key takeaways for the attendee.


• A brief bio highlighting your expertise in this specific area (e.g., "I have litigated 15 cases involving the Defend Trade Secrets Act," or "I have counseled over 50 startups on their founding documents.").

Step 5: Prepare Outstanding Content

• Structure is Key: Use a clear agenda. Tell them what you'll tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them.


• Focus on Practical Application: Answer the "So what?" question. Don't just state a legal principle; explain how it affects their practice, their clients, and their risk.


• Use "How-To" Language: "How to draft...", "How to avoid...", "How to leverage..."


• Use Engaging Visuals: Your slide deck is not your script. Use minimal text, high-quality graphics, charts, and flowcharts.


• Incorporate Real-World Examples: Use case studies, redacted documents, and anecdotes from your practice. Stories are memorable.


• Draft a Useful Written Outline: Many CLE accrediting bodies require written materials. Make them a valuable standalone resource with checklists, sample clauses, and key citations.

4. Best Practices for Delivery and Engagement

• Know Your Audience: Are you speaking to seasoned litigators or general practitioners? Tailor your depth and examples accordingly.


• Be a Speaker, Not a Reader: Engage with the audience. Make eye contact. Use a conversational tone. Your slides are your prompter, not your script.


• Manage Your Time: Respect the audience's time. Rehearse to ensure you fit within the allotted slot, leaving time for Q&A.


• Handle Q&A Like a Pro:


• Repeat the question so the online audience can hear it.


• If you don't know the answer, say so. Offer to follow up via email. Never bluff.


• Defer to other panelists if it's in their wheelhouse.


• Embrace Technology: For webinars, use a good microphone, ensure a stable internet connection, and learn the platform's features (polls, chat, raise hand).

5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• The "Data Dump": Overwhelming the audience with too many cases and statutes without providing practical context.


• Reading the Slides: This is the fastest way to lose your audience's attention.


• Ignoring the "Why": Failing to explain the practical implications of the law.


• Being Unprepared for Tech Issues: Always have a backup plan (e.g., a dial-in number if your VoIP fails).


• Not Providing Actionable Takeaways: Every segment of your presentation should end with a clear, actionable tip for the practicing lawyer.

Sample Topic Ideas to Spark Inspiration

• Ethics: "Ethical Billing in the Age of AI: Navigating Supervision and Fees for Automated Work."


• Tech: "Demystifying AI for In-House Counsel: A Framework for Vendor Contracts and Risk Management."


• Litigation: "Leveraging Courtroom Technology: A Judge's Perspective on What Works and What Doesn't."


• Transaction: "The M&A Playbook: Conducting Cyber Due Diligence in a Post-Breach World."


• Solo/Small Firm: "Building a $1M+ Practice: Data-Driven Marketing for Family Law Attorneys."