In order to practice law in the United States, lawyers generally must pass a bar exam administered by their state's supreme court. While there are rare exceptions to that rule, the point is years of studying and learning are needed in order to become licensed to practice law.

However, education and learning does not stop for lawyers once they pass a bar exam. Every state maintains its own requirements for how many hours attorneys in their state must undergo Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses. In Ohio, for instance, a practicing lawyer must take at least 24 hours of CLE over a two-year span, and certain topics, such as ethics and professionalism, are mandatory.

While CLE courses can be pretty mundane, there are some bright spots in the curriculum. This writer asked attorneys from different states about their favorite or most memorable CLEs to document that learning can be both fun and pertinent to helping clients.

Lee Cusenbary, General Counsel for Mission Pharmacol Company in San Antonio, is actually a cast member in his favorite CLE. He founded the musical theater group Ethics Follies (www.ethicsfollies.com) which is comprised of lawyers who sing and dance about ethics and professionalism. Their current production is entitled 'Mia Culpa,' a musical ethics conference with parodies of the Broadway show 'Mama Mia.'

Joe Dreitler, a trademark lawyer in Columbus, says his favorite CLE covered topics related to his law practice. At one annual meeting of the (then) U.S. Trademark Association in Nashville, country music's unique Minnie Pearl delivered the keynote address. "Her topic was building a brand called 'Minnie Pearl.' She was incredibly bright, articulate and knew exactly how to build a brand and protect it. The brand was her!" says Dreitler.

Steve Fireman, General Counsel of the Economic Community and Development Institute in Columbus, says a recent CLE course ranks among his favorites. "I saw a video replay on ethics and professionalism in the technology age. I learned a lot about things I never thought of," he says. Fireman describes himself as the "king of 'reply all,' but after seeing that video, he is being much more careful.

While Dan Hoffheimer, a partner with the Taft law firm in Cincinnati, has attended humorous CLEs, they don't generally resonate with him. Instead, Hoffheimer prefers CLEs given by lawyers "I respect and who will teach me something." While he acknowledges courses in Estate and Gift Tax, one of his specialties, can be tedious, he says they are nonetheless "important."

Fernando Pinguelo, a partner for Scarinci Hollenbeck's New Jersey office, says his favorite CLE still resonates with him, even ten years after taking the course. He attended a class entitled 'Commanding Presence – Communication and Presentation Skills for Lawyers.' Pinguelo says he enjoyed the practical tips for presenting effective arguments for his clients. "It taught me the importance of being able to communicate complex issues," in simple, concise language. The CLE was so useful that Pinguelo continues to utilize techniques gleaned from that CLE over a decade ago.

Have you learned anything new today?

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Tami Kamin Meyer is an Ohio attorney and writer.