Remaining compliant with your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) obligations is not just a regulatory necessity—it's a commitment to professional excellence. For legal professionals in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the 2025 CPD year offers ACT lawyers a structured opportunity to refine their legal expertise, uphold ethical standards, and strengthen practice management—all while remaining compliant with regulatory requirements.

This guide provides a clear overview of the ACT CPD framework, along with practical advice to support your compliance and growth.

Why CPD Matters for ACT Lawyers

The ACT Law Society requires lawyers to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to help them stay professional, skilled, and ethical. CPD plays a critical role in safeguarding both practitioner competence and public confidence.

1. Maintain Competence: Stay current with legal developments, procedural updates, and best practices.

2. Demonstrate Professionalism: Ongoing education reflects a lawyer's commitment to high ethical and professional standards.

3. Develop Broader Skills: Enhance client communication, management systems, and strategic thinking.

4. Meet Regulatory Obligations: CPD is a condition of holding a practising certificate in the ACT.

Understanding the ACT CPD Framework (2025)

The ACT CPD framework operates on a straightforward points-based system within a defined annual cycle:

• CPD Year: 1 April to 31 March annually

• Requirement: Minimum of 10 CPD units per year

• Who Must Comply: All ACT practising certificate holders, including principals, employed solicitors, and government lawyers

Exemptions may apply for parental leave, illness, or late commencement, with applications submitted in writing to the ACT Law Society.

Mandatory Core CPD Areas

Lawyers must complete at least one CPD unit annually in each of the following core areas:

• Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility

• Practice Management and Business Skills

• Professional Skills (e.g., advocacy, negotiation, drafting)

• Substantive Law and Procedural Law

The remaining six units can be completed in any area relevant to professional development.

Fulfilling Your CPD Requirements: Eligible Activities

To qualify, an activity must:

• Be of significant intellectual or practical content

• Be delivered by qualified individuals

• Enhance the practitioner's legal knowledge or skills

CPD Unit Calculation:

• 1 hour = 1 unit

• 30 minutes = 0.5 units (minimum claimable)

Carry-Over Provisions

Practitioners may carry forward up to 3 CPD units from activities completed between 1 January and 31 March into the following CPD year.

Common Activities & Unit Limits:

 

CPD Planning and Execution: Best Practices

Effective CPD planning not only simplifies compliance but also adds long-term value to your legal career. For meaningful and stress-free CPD compliance:

• Start early: Distribute your CPD activities across the year.

• Be strategic: Choose content that supports your current and future practice.

• Diversify formats: Blend live events, on-demand resources, and peer learning.

• Document carefully: Maintain complete records of dates, units, and formats.

Record-Keeping and Audit Readiness

Lawyers are responsible for retaining supporting documentation for at least 3–5 years. Records should include:

• Date, duration, and title of the activity

• Name of the provider or presenter

• Format and content summary

• CPD units earned and core area(s) addressed

Failure to produce adequate records during an audit may result in disciplinary consequences.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to meet CPD obligations may result in regulatory penalties. According to the ACT Law Society, practitioners who cannot demonstrate compliance during an audit may face:

• Conditions imposed on their practising certificate

• Suspension of practising rights

• Cancellation of certification in serious cases

The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) has documented multiple matters in which practitioners have received fines, been required to complete remedial training, or faced public disciplinary findings due to CPD breaches. Timely, accurate compliance is essential to protect both your reputation and professional standing.

Recommended CPD Resources for ACT Lawyers

To streamline your compliance process and ensure your development activities meet regulatory standards, the following resources are recommended:

• ACT Law Society CPD Program – Seminars and events provided by the regulator.

• ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) Decisions – Reference real-world outcomes involving CPD non-compliance.

• Legal CPD Australia is an online CPD platform that offers individual courses, pre-curated course packages, and custom bundles to help Australian legal practitioners meet their CPD requirements.

Recommended CPD Packages for ACT Lawyers

1.Courtroom Theater & Storytelling

This package provides key storytelling and performance techniques for legal professionals, helping them engage juries and judges effectively. Participants will master persuasive trial strategies, enhance examination skills, and explore ethical considerations in law firm cybersecurity, all while integrating technology and art to improve trial law practice.

2. Trial Skills for AU&NZ Solicitors & Barristers

Sharpen your courtroom skills with expert-led courses on advocacy, litigation strategy, and persuasive communication tailored to the AU and NZ legal systems.

3. Technology in Law

Gain practical insights into legal tech tools, cybersecurity, and digital productivity. Ideal for modern lawyers adapting to a tech-driven profession.

Disclaimer:

While these packages are designed to align with CPD requirements across Australian jurisdictions, lawyers must confirm with their local law society or regulatory authority to ensure specific courses are recognised or applicable towards their CPD obligations.

Conclusion

Fulfilling your annual CPD requirements is an essential professional duty for every lawyer practising in the Australian Capital Territory. By understanding the 10-unit requirement, the four mandatory core areas, eligible activities, and record-keeping obligations, you can effectively plan your professional development for the 2025 CPD year (1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025 and anticipating forward).

Proactive planning, choosing relevant activities, and meticulous record-keeping are key to seamlessly integrating CPD into your practice. Remember to regularly consult the ACT Law Society website for the latest updates and official guidelines regarding CPD requirements for lawyers in the ACT. Engaging meaningfully with CPD not only ensures compliance but also enhances your skills, knowledge, and overall professional competence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many CPD units are required annually?
A: Practitioners must complete 10 CPD units each year, including at least one unit in each of the four mandatory core areas.

Q: Can CPD requirements be fulfilled through online courses?
A: Yes. Online CPD is accepted, provided the content meets the standards of the ACT Law Society. LearnFormula is an example of a recognised provider.

Q: What is the policy regarding the carry-over of CPD units?
A: Practitioners may carry over up to 3 CPD units earned between January and March into the next CPD year.

Q: What are the potential consequences of failing to comply with CPD requirements?
A: Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action, including conditions being placed on the practising certificate, suspension, or cancellation.