Continuing Legal Education Accredited specialists accept a responsibility to be active participants in continuing legal education, often giving a lead to other solicitors. To supplement CLE programs available generally, additional activities are made available to accredited specialists. These activities vary widely, reflecting different circumstances and preferred learning styles. It is common for specialists to work together in study groups, sharing knowledge and seeking answers on current issues. More formal activities are also presented, with subject matter pitched at a high level.
CLE is regarded as essential to the continued high standing of accreditation.
Availability of Accreditation Demand from users of legal services is a key factor in determining the areas of practice in which accreditation is made available. Recognition of an area within the legal community, and indications of long-term support from potential applicants are also important. In addition, the scheme relies heavily upon the support of practitioners willing to give leadership in establishing accreditation in a specialty. The sections of the Law Institute have been instrumental in providing this leadership. The Specialisation Board, a committee of the Council of Victorian Lawyers RPA Ltd, administers the scheme under rules approved by the Council.