At the end of March all Continuing Professional Development (CPD) declarations should be complete. It is important that all lawyers meet this deadline. One way to do this is to plan time now to ensure your CPD plan is up-to-date and your declaration has been completed.

The CPD rules require all lawyers to give the Law Society a declaration of compliance with the CPD requirements within five working days of the end of each CPD year (which is 31 March).

To be able to provide the declaration of compliance you must have created and maintained a CPD plan and record (your CPDPR) and completed and reflected on the required hours of CPD activities (usually 10) related to your learning needs. Do not send your CPDPR to the Law Society unless you are asked to do so for auditing.

How to make your CPD online declaration

CPD declarations are made online in the Law Society’s Register. You will need the ID on your practising certificate and password to log in. If you do not know your password please contact the NZLS Registry for support. You must complete your declaration personally.

When you may make your CPD declaration

CPD declarations may be made online at any time once you have completed your requirements for the year. Your CPDPR must look forward to the end of the CPD year

Guidance on the CPD rules and requirements, as well as a range of other resources, can be found on the NZLS website www.lawsociety.org.nz. You will have also received this reminder via email. If not, please contact the NZLS Registry team to ensure your details are up to date. If you have any queries about making your CPD declaration, please email Ken Trass at ken.trass@lawsociety.org.nz or phone 0800 22 30 30 during normal office hours.

Ken Trass is the New Zealand Law Society’s Professional Development Manager.