Solicitor CPD requirements set by Law Societies across Australia ensure legal practitioners maintain competence, ethical standards, and professional skills. This blog explains:
- What Solicitor CPD is
- How many units are required
- Whether online learning counts
- The consequences of non-compliance
- How Legalwise Seminars supports solicitor CPD compliance through accredited professional legal education
Continuing professional development (CPD) ensures that legal practitioners remain current with changes in legislation, professional standards and best practice. Understanding Solicitor CPD requirements is essential for staying compliant with legal CPD requirements in Australia and protecting your practising certificate.
Solicitor CPD means the required training that solicitors must finish each year. This relies on the rules of their state or territory Law Society.
Its purpose is to protect the quality of legal services. It ensures that lawyers keep improving their knowledge, skills and ethics. Rather than being a formality, CPD is a core part of professional legal education and lifelong learning.
What is Solicitor CPD and Why is it Required?
Solicitor CPD aims to ensure that all practising solicitors maintain a high standard of competence throughout their careers. The legal profession constantly shifts, shaped by legislative changes, technological advances and evolving client expectations. CPD provides a structured way for solicitors to adapt and remain effective in practice.
Law Societies require CPD to:
- Protect the public and uphold professional standards
- Promote ethical and responsible legal practice
- Encourage ongoing professional development
- Support law society CPD compliance across the profession
How Many CPD Units Does a Solicitor Need Each Year?
Different places have slightly different rules, but in Australia, most Law Societies require professionals to finish about 10 CPD units every year. These units must usually be spread across compulsory competency areas such as:
- Ethics and professional responsibility
- Practice management and business skills
- Professional skills
- Substantive law
Solicitors must ensure that:
- CPD activities are completed within the required CPD year
- Units are correctly categorised
- Records are kept for auditing and compliance purposes
Can Solicitors Complete CPD Courses Online?
A lot of lawyers accept online learning as part of their continuing professional development (CPD), as long as the classes are offered by approved CPD companies and meet the standards of the Law Society. This flexibility allows solicitors to fit CPD around demanding workloads and varied practice schedules. Accredited CPD courses may include:
- Live webinars
- On-demand video courses
- Online workshops and conferences
- Interactive training modules
Legalwise Seminars offers a broad range of accredited CPD courses in both online and in-person formats. These programs are made to meet the CPD standards for lawyers in Australia and give solicitors and other legal workers education that is focused on practice.
What Happens if a Solicitor Does Not Meet CPD Requirements?
Failing to meet Solicitor CPD obligations can have serious professional consequences. Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, this may include:
- Conditions placed on the practising certificate
- Financial penalties or administrative sanctions
- Mandatory remedial education
- Disciplinary action
- In severe cases, suspension of the right to practise
Which CPD Courses are Approved for Solicitors in Australia?
Approved CPD courses are those delivered by accredited CPD providers and aligned with Law Society requirements. These providers ensure that courses:
- Meet competency area standards
- Are relevant to legal practice
- Are delivered by qualified professionals
- Include appropriate learning outcomes
Legalwise Seminars offer accredited CPD courses across all mandatory competency areas. Our programs are made with the help of lawyers and are meant to be both legal and useful. Through Legalwise Seminars, solicitors can access:
- High-quality CPD content
- Flexible learning options
- Courses tailored to different practice areas
- Reliable compliance with Law Society standards
- The broader value of Solicitor CPD
Beyond compliance, Solicitor CPD supports professional growth and career development. It allows solicitors to:
- Strengthen technical legal knowledge
- Improve client service and risk management
- Stay ahead of regulatory and industry changes
- Build long-term professional credibility
Stay compliant with your Solicitor CPD obligations through Legalwise Seminars. Check out our selection of accredited on-demand CPD courses designed to help lawyers across Australia meet their CPD requirements and improve their legal education. Take a look at our upcoming seminars.
FAQs
1. What is solicitor CPD and why is it required?
Solicitor CPD is mandatory continuing professional development that ensures solicitors maintain competence, ethical standards and up-to-date legal knowledge throughout their careers.
2. How many CPD units does a solicitor need each year?
In Australia, most law societies need 10 CPTA units a year. These units must be in areas like ethics and business management.
3. Can solicitors complete CPD courses online?
Yes, online CPD courses are accepted as long as they are offered by accredited CPD providers and meet standards of the Law Society requirements.
