Continuing professional development (CPD) can help lawyers become better legal professionals.

The CPD Rules aim to help lawyers get maximum benefit from the investment they make in terms of time and money when they engage in any learning activities.

Reflective Practice

The CPD Reflective Practice webinar, may assist your approach to the creation and maintenance of your CPD plan and record. The presentation slides and accompanying workbook can be downloaded.

Other CPD movie resources are also available.

CPD Toolkit

The following tools, templates and information will help lawyers get maximum benefit from their CPD activities:

• A link to the CPD Rules
• Guidelines for the use of the rules
• A 10 step guide to complete your own CPDPR
• Downloadable CPDPR template in Microsoft Excel as well as a sample plan
• Extensive FAQs
• Instructions on how to make an online declaration

Other useful information

• Guidelines for providers – what providers should know
• Guidelines for forming and facilitating study groups
• A guide to becoming a self-auditing organisation and a downloadable application form

CPD rules

• are learner centred, not prescriptive
• are plan-based and build on each lawyer’s self-knowledge and reflection
• recognise that competency means more than technical expertise and knowledge.
• recognise that useful CPD activities come in many guises.

The CPD Rules require lawyers to:

• complete a minimum of 10 appropriate hours of CPD activities each year
• develop and maintain a written CPD plan and record (CPDPR); including
• reflecting and evaluating on their professional learning

CPD is not just about black letter law, but includes communication skills, the ability to understand or apply the Client Care Rules, and a wide variety of self- and practice management skills.