Proposal Guidelines

The following criteria approved by the CLE Committee of the Virginia Law Foundation (VLF) will guide the solicitation and selection of such proposals: 

1. Alignment with the VLF’s Mission and Virginia CLE’s Objectives
   • Relevance: Proposals should address current legal issues, emerging trends, or foundational topics pertinent to Virginia’s legal community. 
   • Educational Value: Programs must offer substantive learning opportunities that contribute to the professional competence and ethics of attorneys or attorney wellness. 
2. Program Content and Structure
   • Clarity and Focus: Submissions should include a clear outline of the program’s objectives, key topics, and the intended audience. 
   • Interactivity: Preference will be given to proposals incorporating interactive elements such as case studies, Q&A sessions, or panel discussions to enhance participant engagement. 
3. Faculty Qualifications and Diversity
   • Expertise: Presenters should possess substantial knowledge and experience in the subject matter. 
   • Diversity and Inclusion: In line with the VLF’s commitments and values, proposals must demonstrate proactive measures to include faculty that represent the diversity of the Virginia Bar and include presenters from different law firms, nonprofit organizations, corporations, or government agencies. This approach enriches the learning experience, promotes presentation of different perspectives, and offers an equal opportunity to demonstrate one’s professional expertise through participation as faculty for a Virginia CLE educational program.   

4. Compliance with CLE Accreditation Standards and Protection of Intellectual Property
   • Accreditation Requirements: Programs must meet the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) standards set by the Virginia State Bar, including the provision of comprehensive written materials and content appropriate for CLE credit designation (e.g., ethics, professionalism, wellness, competence). 
   • Intellectual Property: To ensure compliance with copyright laws and uphold the integrity of its CLE programs, Virginia CLE requires all proposers to affirm the originality of their submitted materials or confirm that they have obtained the necessary permissions for any copyrighted content included in the submitted materials. This affirmation is a standard practice among CLE providers to protect intellectual property rights and maintain the quality of educational content.  
5. Logistical Considerations
   • Format and Delivery: Proposals should specify the intended delivery method—live, webcast, or hybrid—and demonstrate the ability to effectively execute the program in the chosen format. 
   • Estimated Costs: Direct costs associated with the program will be a consideration when evaluating program proposals. Factors that affect program costs include venue, number of faculty members, faculty travel expenses, and program length. 
   • Scheduling: Submissions must include proposed dates and times, considering factors such as potential conflicts with other events and the availability of target audiences. 
6. Prior Experience and References
   • Track Record: Proponents with a history of successful CLE programming should provide references or evaluations from past events. 
   • Innovation: New presenters or organizations are encouraged to submit proposals, particularly those offering innovative approaches or addressing underserved areas of legal education. 

Submission Process 

• Proposal Form: Interested parties should complete the Proposal Submission Form, providing detailed information as outlined above. 

• Submission Period: Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis.

• Evaluation: The VLF’s Committee on Continuing Legal Education and Virginia CLE staff will review submissions based on the outlined criteria outlined.  

By adhering to these guidelines, Virginia CLE aims to curate a diverse and enriching CLE curriculum that meets the evolving needs of Virginia’s legal professionals and fulfills the mission of the Virginia Law Foundation.