CLE is continuing “legal” education. It’s largely about teaching you the law, how to apply it to the facts, and how to use it to help your clients.

CLE isn’t usually about making money. In fact, in many states, if it’s about making money, then it specifically isn’t offered for CLE credit.

When you attend a CLE that happens to be about managing your practice, it’s usually focused on issues like managing your trust account, treating clients respectfully, or implementing technology solutions for managing cases.

You aren’t going to learn how to grow a practice at a CLE program in most states. In fact, even in those states with liberal rules about what qualifies for CLE credit, you’re rarely going to hear from the best marketing, management, finance, and technology presenters.

Be aware that you aren’t getting a complete business education if you attend legal education programs exclusively. If you’re an associate in a firm and have no aspiration to own a practice, then you’ll do well attending typical CLE programs. However, if you’re a business owner, then you’re going to need more.

You have limited time and money for educational programs. You’re required to get the credits to maintain your license. You have a hard time justifying the expenditure of your precious time and money on something “extra.”

Business education—learning about marketing, management, finance, and technology—isn’t “extra.” It’s essential to running a successful business.

You’re reading my articles in order to educate yourself. Sometimes you’re going to have to go further: you need more. You’re going to have to invest more than a few minutes. You’re going to have to invest some money as well.

Doing more isn’t required. No one mandates business education. You only have to make the investment if you want to make more money.