CLE: Your Secret Weapon for Legal Success
Legal Recruiting | Career Growth | CLE Strategy
Continuing Legal Education: More Than a Requirement
CLE credits aren’t just checkboxes for bar renewal—they're strategic tools that can elevate your entire legal career. A recent Above the Law article laid out a powerful argument: if used wisely, CLE can showcase your expertise, build new connections, and help craft the professional image that gets you hired and promoted.
At Leatherwood Legal Recruiting, we work with attorneys every day who’ve used CLE to pivot their careers, expand into new practice areas, and stand out to law firm decision-makers. Here’s a summary of our thoughts regarding CLE as a career-enhancing tool:
CLE Makes You a More Well-Rounded Candidate
Whether you're staying in your lane or making a lateral move, CLE helps you add to your legal toolkit. It’s a great way to:
Learn a new specialty before applying to that dream firm
Bolster leadership, compliance, or trial advocacy skills
Prove to partners or hiring committees that you’re proactive about development
CLE Grows Your Network Organically
Live CLE events bring together lawyers from different firms and practice groups—ideal for meeting mentors, future collaborators, or simply likeminded professionals. Even virtual webinars often include breakout rooms or post-event mixers.
CLE isn’t just learning—it’s smart networking.
CLE Enhances Your Professional Image
Teaching or attending high-quality CLEs signals to clients and peers that you take your practice seriously. It builds credibility, especially when focused on hot-topic areas like:
AI and law
DEI and ethics
Data privacy and cybersecurity
Corporate compliance
We encourage our candidates to highlight CLE on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. It demonstrates initiative, credibility, and commitment to growth.
Want Help Building a Smarter Career Strategy?
At Leatherwood Legal Recruiting, we help attorneys take the next step in their legal careers with confidence.
Whether you're:
✅ Planning a lateral move
✅ Rebuilding your resume
✅ Navigating post-CLE career opportunities
…we’re here to help.
Our Services Include:
Resume and bio refinement (with emphasis on CLE and recent achievements)
Career strategy tailored to your practice area
Access to exclusive lateral opportunities at top firms and elite boutiques
Book a confidential consultation today to explore how CLE fits into your career path—and how we can help you land the job you actually want.
Schedule a Call with Leatherwood Legal Recruiting
Final Thought
CLE credits don’t just fulfill a requirement. They help define your path, project your value, and connect you to the broader legal community. Use them wisely—and partner with a recruiter who knows how to turn that investment into career traction.
🔗 Read the Original Article
Building a Successful CLE: Leveraging Your Program for Career Advancement – Above the Law
