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 usually held? Most Bloomberg BNA programs are offered in webinar format and are usually 90 minutes in length. Programs are most often 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. In addition to offering live webinars, Bloomberg BNA also offers 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 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 $50,000 per year. If an attorney wishes to take advantage of this option, he or she must contact Bloomberg BNA directly. For attorneys who are unemployed or earning less than $35,000 per year, a full discount off the price of the program will be awarded upon written proof of hardship. Attorneys earning between $35,000 and $50,000 per year will receive a 50% discount off the price of the program. Any attorney working in the public service sector also qualifies for a special price. If you have further questions regarding the hardship policy or seek additional information, please contact Bloomberg BNA customer service at 800-372-1033 and ask to speak to the CLE Accreditations Coordinator, or email us at accreditations@bna.com.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. In what formats are Bloomberg BNA programs offered?
You may purchase a program in either live webinar or OnDemand formats. The live webinar format takes place on a set day and time. Refer to the Legal & Business list of Upcoming Webinars for complete list of programs.
The OnDemand format is available 24/7 and can be viewed at the customer's convenience. OnDemand programs will be available 24-48 hours after the live program concludes via the link received in your confirmation email at the time of purchase. The written materials will be available for download at that time as well. Customers will have unlimited access to OnDemand programs for 90 days after the program is made available for viewing.
7. What does the Bloomberg BNA CLE application process entail? Once you have watched the entire program and completed all checkpoints, you may go to the "Manage Credit" section of your classroom to submit for CLE credit and generate a certificate of completion. 8. 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. 9. Does Bloomberg BNA provide a certificate of attendance for non-MCLE states? Connecticut, the 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. 10. Can more than one attendee participate in a Bloomberg BNA program from one location? Yes. Additional individuals can listen to and watch the program for educational purposes but only the registered individual will be eligible for CLE credit. 11. How do I find out more information on general questions related to 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 difficult to predict and varies greatly depending on the material and information being presented. With the advent of OnDemand program offerings, participants may purchase and participate in 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. What type of materials will I need to submit to support my presentation?
Most of our programs include (i) a PowerPoint presentation which will serve as a visual aid to the oral presentation for attendees and (ii) supplemental written materials covering matters one would expect for a comprehensive and professional treatment of the subject matter of the course or program. These may include related articles, white papers, client alerts, and the like. Including citations and explanatory notations in the material is helpful for the course to become CLE accredited.6. 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.