Mandatory CPD

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a mandatory requirement for all ACT legal practitioners (practitioners), imposed as a condition on all practising certificates issued by the Law Society of the ACT. Subject to some exemptions, all practitioners must complete ten units of CPD between 1 April and 31 March each year. At least one unit must be completed in each of four core areas:

• Core Area 1 — Legal ethics and professional responsibility
• Core Area 2 — Practice management and business skills
• Core Area 3 — Professional skills
• Core Area 4 — Substantive law and procedural law

The purpose of CPD is to ensure the ongoing competence of practitioners, including ensuring that practitioners’ knowledge and skills remain current. The CPD Guidelines seek to assist practitioners understand their CPD obligations. Ultimately, practitioners must make their own assessment of their CPD needs and how best to fulfil them.

The Guidelines include examples of topics that fall within each core area. Practitioners may seek exemption from their CPD obligations by written application to the Society. Practitioners must keep their own CPD records and supporting documentation, which they will be required to produce to the Society if they are selected for audit.

The Society encourages practitioners to seek clarification and assistance whenever necessary by contacting the Society’s Professional Development Officer on 02 6274 0300.

Related Documents

• CPD Guidelines 2018
• Record of CPD activities
• Application for extension of time to comply with CPD obligations
• Application for exemption from CPD obligations
• CPD Form - record.docx

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