Legal & Business CLE Programs Programming and Accreditation Questions: 1. What kinds of topics do Bloomberg BNA programs typically address? Bloomberg BNA programs address narrow, highly-specialized topics and broad introductory-level information for attorneys, judges and legal professionals looking to stay up-to-date on a wide range of legal issues. The program development staff works directly with the speakers and Bloomberg BNA’s managing editors to produce programs that best explain recent changes in the laws affiliated with certain practice areas.
We strive to focus on the development of programs addressing essential information in today's market, such as latest trends and developments, new and revised laws and regulations, and expert insights and perspectives.
2. How are program topics determined? Program topics are generated through internal and external leads. Bloomberg BNA's managing editors keep program development staff abreast of upcoming changes in the law that may warrant an explanatory program. External partnerships with law firms, businesses, associations, and governmental agencies also provide valuable program suggestions.
3. How long are Bloomberg BNA programs? What time of day are they typically held? Most Bloomberg BNA programs are offered as a webinar and are typically 90 minutes in length. Programs are typically scheduled from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET to accommodate individuals on both the east and west coasts. We occasionally offer slightly shorter (60 minutes) or longer (120 minutes) programs.
Beginning in April 2012, in addition to offering live webinars, Bloomberg BNA will offer the same programs in an OnDemand format for customers who may not have been available to participate on the date of the live program. Customers may purchase and participate in an OnDemand program, at their convenience, for up to 90 days after purchase.
4. What is Bloomberg BNA’s hardship policy? Bloomberg BNA offers a hardship policy for any attorney earning less than $30,000 per year. If an attorney wishes to take advantage of this option, he or she must do so in writing and also provide proof of hardship. If approval is granted, a discount of 50% off the full registration price of the program will be awarded.
5. Do Bloomberg BNA live webinars provide CLE credit? Bloomberg BNA provides registered live webinar attendees with continuing legal education (CLE) credit processing, in certain states, should they choose to apply.
6. What does the Bloomberg BNA live webinar CLE application process entail? Attendees must complete and submit the online CLE request form available at
http://attend.bna.com. Be sure to submit your online application for CLE within seven calendar days of the conclusion of the live webinar. If you do not complete your online application during the processing period, we are unable to guarantee that your CLE application will be processed.
CLE applications require the following information: full name and contact information for the requesting attorney, including e-mail address, phone number, fax number, bar number(s), and the state(s) in which the attorney would like credit.
The approval process may take approximately three to four months in some states. Attendees will be notified electronically via the e-mail address provided on the online application regarding the final status of his or her CLE application. Any person applying for CLE credit must have paid for and attended the webinar from start to finish. Attendance will be tracked for compliance purposes.
7. Are Bloomberg BNA live webinars eligible for credit in all states? Please be advised that Bloomberg BNA webinars are subject to approval from each CLE-issuing organization and approval is not guaranteed. The following state bar associations currently do not grant CLE credit for Bloomberg BNA live webinars: Delaware, Nebraska, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
8. Does Bloomberg BNA provide a certificate of attendance for non-MCLE states? Connecticut, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and South Dakota are considered “non-mandatory continuing legal education” states, meaning they do not require continuing legal education, so there is no formal state or district-mandated application process available. However, Bloomberg BNA will provide a certificate of attendance to individuals requesting documentation for their personal records.
9. Can more than one attendee participate in a Bloomberg BNA program? Yes. Other individuals can listen to and watch the program for free but only those who have registered will be eligible for CLE credit.
10. How do I find out more information on general questions related to Bloomberg BNA CLE? For general questions regarding Mandatory or Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements, visit the American Bar Association website at
http://www.abanet.org/cle/mandatory.htm.
If you have further questions regarding how to file for Legal & Business CLE credit, please contact call 800-372-1033 and choose option 6 or ask for Legal and Business CLE Accreditation, or email
accreditations@bna.com.
Attendee Questions: 1. Who typically attends Bloomberg BNA programs? Attendee demographics vary greatly depending on the subject matter being presented. Possible attendees include: federal judges, state court judges, in-house or corporate counsel, plaintiff lawyers, defense lawyers, C-level, government and agency staff positions, litigation support, IT, patent examiners, healthcare professionals, and other service providers and consultants.
2. How many people typically sign up to attend a program? Program attendance is hard to predict and varies greatly depending on the material and information being presented. With the advent of OnDemand program offerings, participants may purchase programs at any time as their schedules permit rather than collectively participating as a group at a given time.
3. Is there an alternate means of registering for a Legal and Business program other than visiting the bna.com website? Yes, you may register by phone by calling 1-800-372-1033 and choosing Option 6. Lines are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Please have your credit card number and the date and title of the program you are interested in available.
Speaker or Presenter Questions: 1. Can I earn CLE credit by presenting? Yes. Bloomberg BNA provides CLE credit for speakers at no cost.
2. Are speakers required to submit a fee to speak at a Bloomberg BNA program? Are Bloomberg BNA programs paid speaking engagements? No. Speakers present material because they are experts in their field and desire to share their knowledge with others for educational purposes. Bloomberg BNA does not require a fee to speak at our programs and we do not pay speakers to present at a Bloomberg BNA program.
3. How many speakers generally participate in a program? Bloomberg BNA typically has a panel of two to five presenters. This allows broad coverage of the subject matter from varying viewpoints. It also provides for lively interaction and discussion among the presenters.
4. Does Bloomberg BNA provide a list of registered attendees to the speakers or to anyone else? Bloomberg BNA’s privacy policy prohibits Legal & Business CLE from providing a list of registered attendees to speakers and other interested parties. Occasional exceptions to this rule are made exclusively for programs involving sponsorships or financial partnerships.
5. I am interested in presenting a Bloomberg BNA program. What is the next step? Please contact Steffan Welch, CLE Programs Coordinator, at
swelch@bna.com or 703-341-3927 to discuss speaking and presenting opportunities.