Agenda Planning

General Considerations:

• Meet with your board or planning committee and finalize the sections agenda.
• Contact speakers and request those who are comfortable about a topic and practice area to speak.
• Assign a moderator and time keeper for the day or a specific presentation to keep the course on track.
• Adding speakers or changing topics the day of is incredibly challenging and can take away from the impact of your course.
• In order to properly apply for accreditation and promote the program, final agendas should be submitted at least 12 weeks before the program.

Below are sample agendas to get you started:

Agenda Example A
Half Day CLE – 3.0 Credits

Co-sponsor: State Bar Practice Section Name

Program Description 

8:45 a.m. Registration and Refreshments

9 a.m. Session 1 (1.5 credits)
                                One or two speakers

10:30 a.m. Break (15 minutes)

10:45 a.m. Session 2 (1.5 credits)
                                One or two speakers

12:15 p.m. Adjournment

Agenda Example B
Full Day CLE – 6.0 Credits

8:45 a.m. Registration and Refreshments

9 a.m. Session 1 (1.5 credits)
                                Two Speakers

10:30 a.m. Break (15 minutes)

10:45 a.m. Session 2 (1.5 credits)
                                Two Speakers

12:15 p.m. Lunch (provided at the State Bar Center) (60 minutes)
        Section Annual Meeting (if applicable)

1:15 p.m. Session 4 (1.0 credits)
        Two Speakers or Panel

2:15 p.m. Session 5 (1.0 credits)
                                Two Speakers

3:15 p.m. Break (15 minutes)

3:30 p.m. Session 6 (1.0 credits)
                                Two Speakers or Panel

4:30 p.m. Adjournment (add reception if applicable)

Logistical Considerations:

• Schedule breaks that allow for smooth transitions between presentations.
• Once confirmed, collaborate with presenters regarding their respective sessions.
• Some programs tend to have more attendees via webcast than they do in person. Regardless, please consider how transitions and presentations will influence the webcast experience.
• If scheduling a breakout session:
  • Contact your CLE Program Coordinator to make sure there is space, if applicable.
  • Assign someone to moderate the sessions for webcast attendees since they are not physically at the program and won't be able to participate in the sessions without a moderator.

Once the agenda is finalized and you have confirmed your presenters, send the information to your CLE Program Coordinator.  We contact your presenters and manage the logistics of the program from that point.  You or the person in contact with the presenter about content will still stay in contact and communicate what is expected to be covered in their CLE presentation.