Laying The Groundwork For A Successful CLE

How many times have we sat at a conference, staring at our phones, thinking to ourselves, “This feels like law school all over again!” The monotony of continuous lectures can be mind-numbing.

But what if you could create a CLE that not only educates but also engages and leaves a lasting impact?

In this series, we’re going to tackle the essentials of writing, presenting, and following up on CLE presentations.

Let’s start by laying the groundwork for a successful CLE that keeps your audience captivated from start to finish.

In the world of legal education, creating a CLE program is akin to constructing a solid and enduring building. Just as any skilled architect begins with a strong foundation, so too must a CLE presenter start with careful planning and thoughtful selection of key elements. The groundwork laid at this stage will determine the overall success of your educational project, ensuring that it stands the test of time and meets the needs of your audience.

From selecting the right topic to utilizing technology for idea generation, this article will guide you through the initial stages of building a CLE that is both impactful and enduring.

FINDING YOUR CORNERSTONE

Selecting a topic for your CLE is like choosing the cornerstone of your building. It needs to be strong, relevant, and capable of supporting the entire structure. The topic you choose should not only be timely and pertinent to your audience but also align with your expertise and the overall goals of the CLE.

How to Choose the Perfect Topic:

• Audience Needs: Consider the current challenges and hot topics in your area of law. What do your peers and clients need to know more about? Engaging with your audience to understand their needs is crucial in selecting a topic that resonates.
• Personal Expertise: Your CLE should showcase your strengths. Choose a topic that not only interests you but also allows you to demonstrate your depth of knowledge and experience.
• Statutes and Case Law: Cases that address recent legal developments or emerging areas of law can attract more attendees and keep your content relevant.

Value Proposition: By selecting a topic that aligns with your expertise and meets the audience’s needs, you’re not only providing value to your attendees but also positioning yourself as a thought leader in your field. A well-chosen topic can enhance your reputation, expand your network, and open doors to future opportunities.

CREATING YOUR BLUEPRINT

Once you’ve selected a topic, the next step is to develop your content framework. In the digital age, technology serves as a powerful blueprint, guiding you through the idea generation and research process.

Leveraging tools like ChatGPT and other AI-driven resources can help you brainstorm and refine your CLE content, ensuring that your presentation is both comprehensive and engaging.

Harnessing Technology for Research:

• ChatGPT for Idea Generation: Use AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, outline your presentation, and even generate content suggestions. This technology can provide diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to your chosen topic. You can use ChatGPT to create a timed agenda as well.
• Online Legal Databases: Access online legal databases to stay updated on the latest case law, statutes, and legal commentary related to your topic. This ensures your CLE is grounded in current and accurate information.

Integrating Technology: By utilizing technology effectively, you streamline your research process and ensure your CLE content is current and compelling. This not only saves you time but also enhances the quality of your presentation, making it more likely to resonate with your audience.

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

• Select a Relevant Topic: Ensure your topic is timely, aligns with your expertise, and addresses the needs of your audience.
• Understand Audience Needs: Engage with your peers and clients to identify current challenges and areas of interest.
• Leverage Technology: Use AI tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming and online legal databases for up-to-date research.
• Plan Your Content Framework: Begin outlining your CLE content, starting with a strong introduction and a well-structured body.

In the next article, we will continue to build on this foundation by exploring how to structure your content effectively and add value with an ethics component—two crucial elements that will further strengthen your CLE.

Stay tuned for Part 1, Article 2, where we’ll delve into structuring your CLE content and incorporating an ethics component to enhance its value.

Sejal Patel is a Rainmaking Consultant and the Founder of Sage Ivy, a New York-based consultancy dedicated to helping attorneys turn relationships into clients. With over 20 years of experience, Sejal strategically analyzes attorneys’ networks to uncover revenue and relationship opportunities, crafting individualized approaches that align with their unique strengths and styles. Learn more at www.sageivyconsulting.com.  

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