Seminars Direct: What is it?
Seminars Direct is the distance learning program sponsored by the SC Bar-CLE Division.
What are my Seminars Direct distance learning options?
The CLE Division is pleased to offer distance learning in three formats: pre-recorded online seminars, live teleseminars, and live online webcasts. To date, the SC Supreme Court Commission on CLE and Specialization accredits distance learning programming in only these three formats (i.e., pre-recorded podcasts are not accredited and may not be taken for credit). Our pre-recorded online seminars cover all major practice areas, including ethics. Running time for these programs can vary from less than one hour to up to six hours. Live teleseminars cover a variety of practice areas and can last from 60 to 90 minutes in length. Online webcasts are real time webcasts and may last up to six (6) hours in length.
Who can participate and how many hours can you earn?
The Supreme Court of South Carolina, by Order dated July 6, 2006, has amended its Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Regulations to allow judges and active South Carolina Bar members to obtain up to 6.0 of their required 14.0 hours per reporting year of their MCLE/LEPR requirements through audio-visual and media presentations (i.e., online or telephone based “distance learning”). Commission regulations now state that “[t]elephone activities will be accredited for the actual time spent to a maximum of 90 minutes per activity, and online educational activities, to include live webcasts, will be accredited for the actual time spent to a maximum of 6.0 hours per activity.” Regulation V.H.2.(d). Bar members may take as many webcasts, online, or telephone programs as they want, but may claim only up to 6.0 hours per reporting period. Distance Learning credits in excess of 6.0 hours per reporting period may not be carried forward to the next reporting period.
How do I access my Seminars Direct options?
Teleseminars are live telephone-based seminars. For a calendar of teleseminars, go to www.scbar.org. Click on Continuing Legal Education; click on WebCredenza Teleseminars or the teleseminar calendar; click on the program of your choice or search by format, topic, or credit hours. Registration is fast and easy - simply follow the prompts to create a login account and to register. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to you with a link to the call-in number for the program, as well as a link to the program’s course materials. If you wish to register by fax, dial 803-252-8427, or if you wish to register by phone, call the CLE Division at 803-771-0333, ext. 133.
CLE WebCredenza Webcasts are real time webcasts of live seminars and are accessible only on the day of the program. To register, go to www.scbar.org. Click on Webcredenza Teleseminars and search by format for live webcasts. Simply follow the prompts to register.
What proof do I have that I have completed the program?
For teleseminars, live webcasts, and pre-recorded online programs, you will need to print a “certificate of attendance” for your records. You will see a “certificate” icon on your toolbar. Click on this icon to obtain your certificate (note: you will not be allowed to print your certificate unless you have completed the entire program). Clicking on this icon will also allow CLE to receive electronic notification of your completion. Once we receive electronic notification through our online provider that you have completed the program, we will report your credit to the SC Supreme Court Commission on CLE and Specialization. It is your responsibility to adjust your MCLE Compliance Report to notify the Commission of partial viewing of any live online or telephone seminar.
