Mandatory Legal CPD Courses for Practising Lawyers in Australia

Practising lawyers in Australia must complete continuing professional development (CPD) each year to maintain their practising certificate. However, the exact CPD categories and rules vary between states and territories. Legalwise Seminars provides accredited legal CPD programs designed to help practitioners meet their annual obligations while building relevant professional skills.

What CPD Is Mandatory for Practising Lawyers?

Legalwise states that practitioners in every Australian state and territory must complete at least 10 CPD units or points each CPD year, with at least one unit required in each core category. For NSW solicitors, this means one unit in each of:

• Ethics and Professional Responsibility
• Practice Management and Business Skills
• Professional Skills
• Substantive Law

A handful of other jurisdictions add extra mandatory categories on top of these four. Tasmania requires a unit in Equality and Wellbeing, while South Australia and the Northern Territory require a unit in Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment. Lawyers should confirm the categories that apply to their own practising certificate before selecting courses.

How Can Legalwise Help With Mandatory CPD?

Legalwise offers CPD programs across 30+ practice areas, available through face-to-face, live online and on-demand formats, so practitioners can choose sessions based on their CPD requirements, subject interests and preferred learning style.

For certainty over cost and points, Legalwise also offers an Individual 10 CPD Point Package for $990, including GST. It covers all 10 CPD points for the year, can be used across any combination of face-to-face, live online and on-demand seminars, and is valid for 12 months from purchase.

Can Online Seminars Count Towards CPD?

Legalwise states that attending a live online web seminar entitles practitioners to claim the same number of CPD points as attending the seminar in person, subject to jurisdictional rules.

On-demand and recorded content can carry different limits depending on where you practise. For example, NSW practitioners may claim one CPD unit per hour of private study, including seminar audio and video recordings, up to a maximum of five units in a CPD year. Always check the rules that apply to your practising certificate before relying on a particular format.

How Much Do Legalwise CPD Courses Cost?

Legalwise's registration fees are structured by CPD hours, so the more you attend in one programme, the more you save per hour:

The Individual 10 CPD Point Package is listed at $990, including GST. Prices and program availability can change, so check the relevant Legalwise program page before registering.

Ready to Meet Your CPD Obligations?

Browse upcoming seminars, explore on-demand recordings, or secure your Individual 10 CPD Point Package today at legalwise and take the guesswork out of your annual CPD requirements.

FAQs
How many CPD units do practising lawyers need?

Legalwise's guidance confirms that practitioners in every Australian state and territory must complete at least 10 CPD units or points each CPD year, including at least one unit in each core category set by their regulating body.

What are the mandatory CPD categories in NSW?

NSW solicitors must complete at least one CPD unit in each of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Practice Management and Business Skills, Professional Skills, and Substantive Law each CPD year.

Can lawyers complete CPD online?

Yes. Legalwise offers live online and on-demand CPD options, and live online seminars carry the same points as attending in person, subject to jurisdictional limits on recorded material.

Does Legalwise offer a 10-point CPD package?

Yes. Legalwise currently offers an Individual 10 CPD Point Package for $990, including GST, valid for a 12-month subscription period.