Letters to the Editor

Cost of CLE

Dear Editor:

I continue to be concerned about the ridiculously high prices of CLE programs. Most programs I've attended have been given by members who have donated their time and expertise to make these programs high quality events. Why the high price tag? No one ever answers that question. I am at the point where the only programs I attend are ones the ABA gives free once a month. If you attend each month you earn 18 CLE credits. That's the good news. The bad news: these programs are almost never on topics that I have the least interest in. But they fulfill the need at an affordable price.

Edward L. Armstrong
Creve Coeur

Editor's note: In 2012, MoBarCLE produced more than 440 programs (live seminars, webinars, telephone sessions, key practice institutes and conferences) and benefited the practices of more than 14,000 lawyers. These Missouri Bar members benefited greatly from the lawyers and judges who generously volunteered to create excellent MoBarCLE programs and publications. However, there are many other costs associated with presenting CLE programs, including hotel meeting room rental fees and the technology costs required to offer programs in other formats; producing and distributing high-quality course materials; and providing needed programs in a wide variety of substantive areas, even though some programs may not be as widely attended as other programs.

Further, MoBarCLE is committed to its “financial hardship” policy that provides programs at discounted fees, or at no-cost, to members facing difficult financial circumstances. In 2012, MoBarCLE’s financial hardship policy resulted in $50,000 worth of discounted and/or no-cost CLE for lawyers who needed assistance.

In addition, The Missouri Bar offers additional CLE opportunities at a very, very low rate or free. Examples of these CLE offerings include:

Free committee-developed CLE programs at the Fall and Spring Committee Meetings.
A programs-only registration rate at the 2012 Annual Meeting where attendees can receive CLE at less than $10 per credit hour.
Free CLE offerings and resources associated with pro bono and disaster relief efforts.
More than 20 CLE presentations conducted by then-Missouri Bar President Lynn Whaley Vogel and Deputy Executive Director Sebrina Barrett at local and specialty bar meetings across the state during 2011-2012.