Changes to Continuing Professional Development for 2012
The Law Society recently reviewed the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program to ensure that it meets the needs of the public and profession and is as straightforward as reasonably possible for lawyers and providers.
As a result, several aspects of the program will change effective January 1, 2012. These changes broaden the range of options available to lawyers to obtain credit for CPD activities.
Completing 2011 CPD in 2012?Lawyers completing their 2011 CPD requirements in 2012 must comply with the 2011 criteria, not the new 2012 criteria. |
Courses
The “audience test” will be eliminated, no longer requiring that the material be primarily designed for an audience that includes lawyers as a principal component.
The subject matter of all accredited learning modes, including courses, must deal primarily with one or more of:
- substantive law,
- procedural law,
- professional ethics,
- practice management (including client care and relations),
- lawyering skills.
In addition, a lawyer will be able to apply for credit for reviewing a pre-recorded course with an articled student, not only another lawyer.
Study groups
Lawyers will be able to receive credits for taking part in an educational study group with an articled student, not only another lawyer.
Teaching
Teaching to the general public (but not to clients) may qualify for CPD credit. Lawyers will not, however, be able to claim for preparation time for teaching to the general public.
Writing
Writing articles for the general public (but not for clients) may qualify for CPD credit.
Mentoring
There are two changes in relation to mentoring:
- mentoring by email or similar electronic communication may qualify for credit;
- the 30-minute minimum for each session will be eliminated.
Late fees
The late fees will change in 2012. The fees for not completing 2012 CPD requirements will be:
- $200 for lawyers who completed their CPD requirements during the calendar year, but failed to record them,
- $500 for lawyers who did not complete their CPD requirements during the calendar year.
The late fee amounts will be subject to HST.
The late fee remains $200 for not completing CPD requirements during 2011 or for not reporting completion of CPD requirements. Lawyers who do not complete and/or report completion of the requirements by April 1, 2012 will be suspended.
If you have any questions, please contact Member Services at cpd@lsbc.org or 604.605.5311.
