Vol. 76, No. 10, October
2003
Seven Common CLE Reporting Errors
Attorneys admitted to practice in odd-numbered years should receive
the 2003 - 04 CLE Form 1, the continuing legal education reporting form,
in mid-October. All active Wisconsin-licensed attorneys are required by
SCR 31.03 to file a CLE Form 1 with the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE)
biennially. This year's filing deadline is Dec. 31. Attorneys admitted
to practice in 2003 do not need to report until 2005.
"It seems the most difficult aspects of earning CLE credits can be
filling out CLE Form 1 accurately and submitting it early enough to
catch a deficiency before it's too late to avoid the consequences," says
Gene R. Rankin, BBE director. "Consequences can include a fine or even
license suspension." Rankin urges attorneys to file early and to keep
good records. "Attorneys who wait until the last minute to file can
suddenly find they are short credits, and oftentimes there isn't enough
time to earn those credits before the deadline. Another major problem is
not keeping accurate records, which complicates filling out the
form."
Rankin outlines the seven most common CLE reporting form errors and
offers ideas to make the process less complicated.
1. Filing late. The earlier you file, the earlier
your form is audited, and the more likely deficiencies will be detected
while there is still time to make up missing credits. Filing late also
can land your form in a huge pile of late-filers, which can result in a
late audit and late fees if there are deficiencies.
2. Form filled out by someone else. Take personal
responsibility. Fill out the form yourself.
3. Inaccurate information. Reporting the accurate
date, title, and sponsor is critical. Many sponsors offer dozens of
courses, and it is impossible for BBE staff to determine which course is
being reported if the information is incomplete or inaccurate.
"When you take a CLE course, write down the necessary information,
file the course brochure and payment receipt in a folder, and record the
course on your calendar," says Rankin. "When the CLE Form 1 arrives, the
necessary information is easy to get to, and you are ready to go."
4. Inaccurate mailing address. The BBE mails your
form to the address on file with the State Bar. If you don't receive the
form and therefore don't file, your license could be suspended.
5. Unapproved courses. Never assume courses have
been approved for Wisconsin credit. Check the BBE Web site at
www.wicourts.gov/bbe/wisconsin_supreme_continuing_legal_ education.html
to access a searchable database for approved CLE courses.
6. Unsigned form. CLE Form 1 is a sworn document and
requires a signature to testify to the truth of its contents.
7. Read your mail. The BBE routinely sends out two
CLE reporting forms, one in October and another in November. Attorneys
who have not filed by the Dec. 31 deadline receive a warning in
March.
A certified mail notice is sent to attorneys not in compliance in
April, warning them that failure to comply in 60 days will result in
suspension. Certified mail notices of suspension are sent in June.
"If the BBE sends you a deficiency notice, pay close attention," says
Rankin. "If you filed and there is a deficiency in your report that is
not corrected it will result in suspension. The State Bar publishes
attorneys' license status on its Web site, WisBar. Avoid the
embarrassment of having your clients learn about your suspension through
WisBar."
For more information, contact BBE CLE Records Manager Tammy McMillen
at (608) 261-2350.
Wisconsin Lawyer
