– Credit Hours and Accreditation Standards

A. Credit Hours. The Commission shall designate the number of credit hours to be earned by participation in or teaching of approved CLE activities. Credit shall be earned on the basis of one credit hour for each 60 minutes actually spent by a member in attendance at an approved activity or in preparation for and teaching of an approved activity. Credit will not be earned for time spent in introductory remarks, coffee and luncheon breaks, or business meetings. Further, credit will not be earned for speeches presented at, or attendance at, luncheons or banquets. Repetition of an activity does not qualify for credit. B. Accreditation and Accreditation Standards - General. The Commission may approve CLE activities when consistent with these Rules. The following standards govern the approval of a CLE activity: STATE LAW LIBRARY OF MONTANA Joseph P. Mazurek Justice Building 215 North Sanders Street PO Box 203004 Helena, MT 59620-3004 Website: courts.mt.gov/library Email: [email protected] Phone: 406-444-3660 Fax: 406-444-3603 1. It shall have significant legal content or application; 2. Its primary objective shall be to increase professional competence as a lawyer; 3. It shall constitute an organized program of learning dealing with matters directly related to the practice of law, professional conduct, fitness to practice law, or the ethical obligations of lawyers; 4. It shall be conducted by an individual or group qualified by practical or academic experience in a setting physically suited to the educational activity of the program; 5. It should include thorough, high-quality, and carefully prepared written materials to be distributed to all attendees at or before the time the activity is presented. While it is recognized that written materials are not suitable or readily available for some types of subjects, the absence of written materials for distribution should be the exception and not the rule; and 6. It shall not be offered on a basis that discriminates against attendees on account of race, ethnicity, religion, culture, national origin, social origin or condition, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disabilities.