Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the CLE seminars held?
Please note that CLE seminars will be held virtually until further notice.
Each seminar description includes location information and can be found under each event listing. Most live CLE seminars take place at the Nashville Bar Association, 150 4th Ave N, Ste 1050, Nashville, TN 37219.
How do I register for a CLE?
Find a CLE here and click “Register Now,” or mail your completed registration form and payment to the Nashville Bar Association, CLE Department, 150 4th Ave N, Ste 1050, Nashville, TN 37219.
How much do CLEs cost?
Fees vary by seminar and are available on our website. As part of our member benefits, NBA members receive special discounted rates.
What is the Easy Pass, and how does it work?
Please note that there will be no Easy Pass option until November, 2021.
The CLE Easy Pass is exclusive to NBA members only. NBA members may purchase an Easy Pass for savings on CLE seminars. Choose from:
- 8 hour pass, includes 2 free CLE hours
- 10 hour pass, includes 3 free CLE hours
- 15 hour pass, includes 6 free CLE hours
The Easy Pass may be used to register for any NBA-produced* “live” CLE seminar offered during the current membership year (November 1 through October 31 of the following year). For details regarding your Easy Pass, contact the CLE Department at 615-242-9272 or click below.
Easy Pass Details
*Travel-related CLEs and other seminars in which we partner with outside entities are excluded from Easy Pass use.
Note our seminar cancellation and “no show” policy. The Easy Pass is nontransferable and may only be used by the purchaser. Registrations purchased with an Easy Pass will be cancelled only if the NBA receives notice by 5:00pm on the registration deadline. The Easy Pass expires on October 31 and may not be used to register for seminars beyond that date.
Do I have to be an NBA member to attend a CLE seminar?
No. Everyone is welcome to attend a CLE at the NBA, but we offer our members exclusive discounts.
How many CLE credit hours do I need?
Tennessee attorneys are required to earn 15 CLE credit hours each year, including:
- 3 hours of Ethics and Professionalism credit
- 12 hours of General credit
Additionally, it may be helpful to know:
- At least 7 hours must be “live” CLE.
- You can earn up to 8 hours (including Ethics and Professionalism) of your 15 required CLE hours through our distance learning (online and webinar) CLE courses.
- Attorneys may carry forward 12 hours of General and 3 hours of Ethics and Professionalism credits to the following compliance year. Of these, attorneys may carry over 8 distance learning credit hours to the following year.
How do I get materials for my CLE seminar?
Materials for the CLEs are available electronically. You will receive an email with a PDF attachment and/or link to the materials online. The NBA is equipped with free wireless internet, and we encourage you to view your CLE materials on a portable device during the seminar. If you prefer a paper version, you are welcome to print the materials and bring them with you.
Can I buy materials for a seminar I did not attend?
Yes! If you were unable to attend one of our live seminars, you may purchase the materials, including a DVD of the seminar, if available. However, no CLE credit will be issued.
How do I cancel my registration? Can I get a refund or credit?
To cancel your registration, please contact Cameron Gearlds with your name and the name of the seminar. If it is before the program’s registration deadline, you may request a refund or credit towards another seminar. Refund or credit will not be issued after the registration deadline; however, you may request a free copy of the seminar materials, including a DVD of the seminar, if available.
May I send a substitute?
Yes. Please contact Cameron Gearlds with your name, the name of the seminar, and the substitute’s name.
Note: Substitutes are not available to Easy Pass holders.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Yes. However, there is no guarantee for seating after the registration deadline. You may wish to call 615-242-9272 ahead of time to check if space is available. There is an additional fee of $10 for late registration.
When will my CLE credit hours be posted?
CLE sponsors have 30 days after a course to report CLE hours to the Tennessee Commission on CLE and Specialization. Once reported, it can take up to a week for the Tennessee Commission on CLE to post your hours on their website.
How do I request out-of-state CLE credit?
When you turn in your attendance form at the end of the seminar, check the box for out-of-state credit at the top of the form. You will be mailed a copy of your attendance form along with the signed Uniform Application for Accreditation of Continuing Legal Education form. Send the forms to the state(s) in which you wish to receive out-of-state credit, along with any other information required by the state(s).
I want to be a CLE speaker. Who do I contact?
Please call 615-242-9272 or email Monica Mackie and let her know your name and the topic that you would be interested in presenting to the NBA.
Do CLE speakers get extra credit for teaching?
Yes! You may earn up to four times the amount of credit per hour of teaching if you prepare at least five pages of materials for program participants. If this is a subsequent presentation, you will receive half the credit you did for teaching the initial presentation.
Where can I read more about CLE requirements in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education provides a helpful FAQ for attorneys here.
Please note that due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, the NBA is not currently offering PLI Courses.
What is PLI?
Practising Law Institute (PLI) is a nonprofit CLE and professional business training organization that partners with the NBA to offer live CLE webcasts at the NBA Conference Center. PLI and the NBA provide sophisticated and cutting-edge programs to Tennessee attorneys through live webcasts held at the NBA. Attorneys receive in-depth training and insight from the country's foremost legal practitioners, government officials, and corporate officers. Further, attorneys attending the live webcasts at the NBA office will earn live CLE credit.
What is distance learning?
Distance learning is the term used to describe seminars which are not considered live courses. Examples include online seminars and webinars. Attorneys may earn up to 8 hours of distance learning credit in a compliance year.
What distance learning opportunities are available through the NBA?
We offer a catalog of distance learning options here.
What is an online seminar?
These are online versions of NBA-produced programs. To take an online CLE, visit the NBA Online CLE Seminars page.
Who do I contact for more information or technical support?
For questions about PLI, contact Cameron Gearlds. For technical support for Live Webcasts via PLI, call 800-260-4754.
For questions and technical support for distance learning online CLEs, contact support@seminarweb.com or call the support line 1-800-701-5161.
How do I register for a distance learning CLE program?
Log in to the NBA website and register on our distance learning catalog.
