In the ever-evolving landscape of legal practice, staying current is not just a professional advantage—it’s a requirement. The NC State Bar mandates that lawyers complete 12 hours of Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) a year.
CLE instructional programs are essential to the ongoing professional development lawyers need. They serve as a crucial platform for attorneys to stay abreast of the latest legal trends, ethical considerations, and emerging areas of practice.
Knowing this, High Point Law set out to offer an affordable, engaging, and impactful virtual CLE program with all net proceeds funding student scholarships. On September 24, 2024, nearly 200 lawyers in North Carolina logged on to participate.
Participants were offered seven distinct courses totaling eight credit hours. Attendees had the rare opportunity to gain insights from former North Carolina Supreme Court Justices, who shared their expertise on appellate advocacy. The program also featured luminaries from the broader legal academic world, including Dean Erwin Chemerinsky of UC Berkeley School of Law, whose US Supreme Court Review course underscored the event’s intellectual heft.
High Point Law’s commitment to excellence was further evidenced by the involvement of its own distinguished faculty. Founding Dean and Professor of Law Mark Martin (former Chief Justice of North Carolina), Jurist in Residence Bob Edmunds (former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice), Professor Pete Nemerovski, and Professor Kip Nelson were among the presenters, showcasing the institution’s depth of expertise and its dedication to bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application.
As High Point Law continues to establish itself as a forward-thinking institution, its CLE programs stand as a testament to its commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth in the legal field. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange, ethical reflection, and professional networking, High Point Law has not only fulfilled a crucial need but also set a high standard for future CLE programs.
When asked about why it was important for High Point Law to offer a CLE program, Dean Martin shared:
When I served as Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, I felt that North Carolina lawyers needed more high-quality, yet affordable CLE programs. I hope that our program featuring Dean Erwin Chemerinsky and former North Carolina Supreme Court justices met this need. Many thanks to our fantastic lineup of presenters and all the lawyers and judges who were able to participate!
