News

Supreme Court Approves Distance Learning as CLE Option

January 20, 2005

HARRISBURG, Jan. 11, 2005 —The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has authorized the Continuing Legal Education Board to continue the accreditation of Internet or computer-based CLE programs. Beginning today, a rule change adopted by the court on Dec. 30, 2004, provides lawyers with the option of completing four hours of instruction per compliance year by participating in pre-approved, interactive, Internet or computer-based CLE programs. Educational activities of this nature allow for courses to be taken on a schedule convenient to the learner, and expand the availability of subject matter. Over the years, technological advances in the delivery and exchange of information have resulted in tremendous strides in education options. As a service-oriented regulatory agency, the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board (PACLE) seeks to help lawyers meet the continuing legal education requirement through the use of modern and efficient technologies. The standards, implementation procedures, course provider obligations, lawyer requirements and a list of approved distance learning activities can be found on the distance learning section of the PACLE’s Web site at: www.pacle.org. The rule change is the outgrowth of a successful two-year pilot project that evaluated the appropriateness and effectiveness of distance learning technologies, resulting in its accreditation. Additional PACLE information for lawyers and providers, including instructions on how to become a participating distance learning course provider, are available on the PACLE Web site.