Law Society CPD requirements shape how Australian legal practitioners maintain competence, compliance, and professional standards.
This blog explains:
For Australian legal practitioners, Law Society CPD is a core part of maintaining professional competence and public trust. Continuing professional development (CPD) ensures solicitors, barristers and legal practitioners remain current with evolving laws, ethical responsibilities and best practice standards.
It is important to understand how Law Society CPD requirements work. This knowledge helps you meet legal CPD needs in Australia and protects your right to practice.
What is Law Society CPD and Why is it Required?
Law Society CPD refers to the mandatory professional development framework set by each state and territory’s Law Society or legal regulatory authority. Its purpose? To ensure lawyers maintain up-to-date knowledge, practical skills and ethical awareness throughout their careers.
Instead of being just a “tick-box” task, CPD helps improve legal education. This strengthens the quality and trust of legal services in Australia.
Law Society CPD is a structured learning system that requires legal practitioners to complete a certain number of CPD units each year. These units must be spread across defined competency areas, such as:
This framework ensures balanced development and promotes solicitor CPD compliance that aligns with real-world legal practice. CPD protects clients, strengthens legal standards and helps practitioners adapt to regulatory, technological and legislative changes.
How Many CPD Units Does the Law Society Require Each Year?
Most Australian Law Societies require lawyers to complete about 10 CPD units each year. Requirements may vary by location. Within this total, we must allocate certain units to mandatory areas such as ethics and practice management. The annual guidelines and practising certificate conditions clearly outline the Law Society CPD requirements.
Can Online Courses Count Towards Law Society CPD?
Yes. Online courses can count towards Law Society CPD. This is true if they are from an accredited CPD provider and meet local standards. This flexibility has transformed how legal practitioners engage with professional legal education.
Accredited CPD activities may include:
Providers like Legalwise Seminars specialise in delivering high-quality online and in-person CPD programs that are recognised across Australian jurisdictions. This makes it easier for busy solicitors, barristers and compliance managers to stay compliant while balancing demanding workloads.
What Happens if You Don’t Meet Law Society CPD Requirements?
Failure to meet Law Society CPD obligations can have serious consequences. Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, this may include:
These outcomes highlight why solicitor CPD compliance is taken so seriously. Law Societies encourage proactive compliance by providing reminders, guidance materials and support mechanisms. Accredited providers play a vital role by structuring, ensuring relevance, and maintaining compliance in CPD activities.
How Do You Find Law Society CPD Approved Courses?
The safest way to meet CPD requirements is by enrolling with an accredited CPD provider. Accredited providers design their programs to align with Law Society frameworks and legal CPD requirements in Australia. Legalwise Seminars is a trusted provider of accredited CPD activities, offering:
The Impact of Law Society CPD on Legal Practice
Law Society CPD requirements shape the Australian legal sector’s professional culture. They reinforce accountability, encourage lifelong learning, and ensure that practitioners remain competent in an evolving legal landscape. Rather than viewing CPD as a burden, many lawyers increasingly see it as an opportunity to:
Through partnerships with accredited providers like Legalwise Seminars, Law Societies help ensure CPD remains practical, relevant and accessible. This collaboration supports legal practitioners at every career stage, from newly admitted solicitors to experienced compliance managers.
Stay on top of your Law Society CPD requirements with Legalwise Seminars. Explore our range of accredited CPD activities designed to support solicitor CPD compliance and professional legal education across Australia.
FAQs
1. Can online courses count towards Law Society CPD?
Yes, as long as an accredited CPD provider delivers the course and they meet Law Society standards.
2. What happens if I don’t meet Law Society CPD requirements?
You may face penalties, restrictions on your practising certificate, or disciplinary action. Compliance is essential to maintain your right to practise.
3. How do I find Law Society CPD-approved courses?
By enrolling with accredited CPD providers such as Legalwise Seminars, which offer compliant seminars, webinars and online learning programs.