Rule SCR 3.650 - Qualifying continuing legal education activity and standards(1) Credit for completing qualifying continuing legal education activities, as set forth below in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this Rule, shall be calculated, reported and subject to the limitations set forth in 3.655.(2) A continuing legal education activity qualifies for accreditation if the Commission determines that the activity conforms to the following standards: (a) The activity is an organized program of learning which contributes directly to the legal competence of an attorney.(b) The activity deals primarily with substantive legal issues directly related to the practice of law, or law practice management.(c) The activity has significant intellectual or practical content which is timely. (d) The activity has as its primary objective to increase the participant's professional competence as an attorney. Activities designed primarily for non-lawyers do not qualify for accreditation.(e) The activity itself must be taught and conducted by an individual or group qualified by practical or academic experience.(f) The activity, including the named advertised participants, must be conducted substantially as planned, subject to emergency alterations.(g) Thorough, high-quality, readable, timely, useful and carefully prepared written materials must be made available to all participants at or before the time the activity is presented. A brief outline without citations or explanatory notations is not sufficient.(h) At the conclusion of the activity, each participating attorney must be given the opportunity to complete an evaluation questionnaire addressing the quality of the particular activity.(i) The activity may be presented live or by technological transmission as defined in SCR 3.600(12). Activities including audio components must have high-quality audio reproductions so that listeners may easily hear the content of the activity. Activities including video components must have high-quality video reproductions so that observers may easily view the content of the activity.(j) In-house activities, as defined in SCR 3.600(9), may be approved if all standards set forth herein for accreditation are met, and at least half the instruction hours are provided by qualified persons having no continuing relationship or employment with the sponsoring firm, department or agency.(k) The activity may be presented live or by technological transmission as defined in Rule 3.600(12). Activities including audio components must have high quality audio reproductions so that listeners may easily hear the content of the activity. Activities including video components must have high quality video reproductions so that observers may easily view the content of the activity.(l) In cases of in-house activity, as defined in 3.600(9), such activities may be approved if all standards set forth herein for accreditation are met. In addition, at least half the instruction hours must be provided by qualified persons having no continuing relationship or employment with the sponsoring firm, department or agency.(3) Continuing legal education credit may be earned for the following additional activities subject to the limitations set forth in 3.655. (a) Teaching or participating as a panel member or seminar leader in an approved activity.(b) Researching, writing or editing material to be presented at an approved activity. (c) Publication of legal writing as defined in 3.600(10). (d) Public speaking. Upon application, CLE credit may be earned by teaching or participating as a panel member, mock trial coach or seminar leader for law-related public service speeches to civic organizations or school groups. A maximum of 2 credits earned under this Rule per educational year may be applied to meet the annual minimum requirement. Speaking for which the member is paid shall not be approved. Written copies of presentations must accompany such applications; provided, however, that, where appropriate, a narrative summary of the material presented may be sufficient. (e) Law school classes attended by a member, provided that the member registers for the class with the law school and completes the course as required by the terms of registration, for credit or by audit. (4) The following additional activities shall not qualify as a [sic] continuing legal education: (a) Seminars or meetings sponsored by law firms or other organizations which are determined by the Commission to be in the nature of client development and do not meet the requirements set forth in 3.650(2).(b) Passing a bar exam for licensure to practice law in a state or jurisdiction.(c) Bar review courses taken in preparation for bar examinations.(d) Correspondence courses.(e) Any activity completed prior to admission to practice in Kentucky except the New Lawyer Program. (f) Undergraduate law or law-related classes.(g) Programs taken in preparation for licensure exams for non-lawyer professionals.(h) Business meetings or committee meetings of legal and law-related associations.(5) Seminars designed for non-lawyer professionals which in, case-by-case situations, will benefit the lawyer by allowing clients improved services in unique areas of practice. Credits earned for this category of seminar or activity shall not count toward the 12 credit annual minimum requirement but may count toward continuing legal education award credits as determined by the Commission. (6) Accreditation of activities may be withdrawn by the Commission in cases where there is evidence that any of the above standards and criteria have not been met or that circumstances surrounding the actual content or transmission of the activity are not as originally represented to the Commission during the application process such that withdrawal of accreditation is warranted. Ky. R. Sup. Ct. SCR 3.650
Amended by Order 2020-03, eff. 3/1/2020; adopted by Order 2013-12, eff. 1/1/2014.