As society becomes more complex, the delivery of legal service becomes more complex. The public rightly expects that practicing attorneys, in their practice of law, and judges, in the performance of their duties, will continue their legal and judicial education throughout the period of their service to society. With ever-increasing responsibility being placed upon non-lawyer legal staff to assist in delivering legal services, the public also has come to expect a high standard of competence from legal support professionals. To promote and encourage a high standard of competence and professionalism among legal support professionals, CALSS has established the Continuing Legal Education Award program.
CALSS members may apply for a CLE award upon completion of 45 units of continuing legal education, including at least 7 units of ethics, within a three-year period.
There are many ways to accumulate CLE credits, the most obvious being to attend seminars sponsored by CALSS, CALSS-affiliated local chapters, or other organizations offering law-related education. Additional ways to accumulate CLE credits include home study; preparing and presenting seminars; writing educational articles; and participating in certain pro-bono activities. Current Rules and Regulations Concerning CLE Award may be viewed by CALSS members at the Members Only! page.
Through the Gwendolyn S. Duran Memorial Scholarship Fund, CALSS awards an annual scholarship to a student pursuing a course of study in the area of law. The recipient may be a law school student or an individual attending a paralegal program or legal secretarial course at an institution of higher education or vocational training. The amount of the scholarship varies from year to year, depending upon funds available. When funds permit, a second scholarship is awarded to a CALSS member.
A $1,000 scholarship was awarded in 2007 and is expected to be awarded again in 2008.
2008 CALSS Scholarship Application: Word Format / PDF Format
For additional information, contact CALSS.
CALSS members--don't forget to visit the Members Only! page.
This page last updated 11/15/07.