Bench & Bar January/February 2026

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION IN KENTUCKY: EVOLVING TO MEET ATTORNEYS’ NEEDS BY MEGAN P. KEANE

C ontinuing Legal Education (CLE) is a cornerstone of professional development for attorneys, ensur ing they remain informed, ethical, and effective in their practice. In Kentucky, attorneys must complete 12 CLE credit hours annually, including 2 hours dedi cated to ethics or professional responsibility. As the legal landscape evolves, so do the formats in which CLEs are offered—most notably, the shift from traditional in-per son sessions to increasingly popular virtual options. The Kentucky Bar Association (KBA) requires attorneys to complete their CLE credits by June 30 each year, with report ing due by August 10. These credits can be earned through a variety of approved pro grams, including: • Live in-person seminars • Interactive webinars • On-demand (asynchronous) online courses

IN-PERSON CLE: NETWORKING AND IMMERSIVE LEARNING In-person CLE programs offer a structured environment conducive to networking, real time engagement, and immersive learning. These sessions often feature panel discus sions with judges and seasoned attorneys, workshops on trial skills, negotiation, or legal writing, as well as ethics roundtables and case studies. BENEFITS INCLUDE: • Direct interaction with presenters and peers • Opportunities for mentorship and collaboration • Fewer distractions compared to remote learning However, in-person CLEs can present challenges such as cost, travel, and time constraints. For attorneys in rural com munities, offerings may also be limited in variety—particularly for those seeking spe cialized practice-area training. VIRTUAL CLE: FLEXIBILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY Virtual CLEs have surged in popularity, especially post-pandemic, offering attorneys

the ability to learn from anywhere. These include both live webinars and on-demand courses, which are particularly useful for fulfilling ethics requirements and exploring niche practice areas. ADVANTAGES INCLUDE: • Convenience and flexibility • Broader selection of topics and presenters • Cost savings, with many free or low cost options and no travel expenses Potential drawbacks include reduced net working opportunities and the risk of distractions or lower engagement compared to live sessions. CHOOSING THE RIGHT FORMAT The choice between in-person and virtual CLEs often depends on an attorney’s learn ing style, schedule, and professional goals. For example: • Attorneys seeking interactive learning may prefer live webinars or in-person workshops. • Attorneys with demanding schedules may opt for on-demand courses. • Kentucky attorneys can explore CLE options through:

• Local bar association events • National legal education providers

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