What is my CPD requirement if I am an experienced lawyer (Years 3+)?
You must complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing professional development (CPD). At least 3 of those hours must be accredited by the LSUC and relate to professional responsibility, ethics and/or practice management (Professionalism Hours). The remaining 9 hours need not be accredited and may address substantive or procedural law topics and/or related skills (Substantive Hours).
What is my CPD requirement if I am a new lawyer (Years 1 & 2)?
If you are in the first two full years of practice you must get 12 hours of CPD from programs accredited by the LSUC as New Member hours.
How do I get my CPD hours?
- Attending a CPD Course (either in person, online or by telephone). If you watch a previously recorded program, with at least one other lawyer, that will also qualify.
- Teaching a substantive or professionalism topic (maximum of 6 hours per year).
- Acting as an articling principle, mentoring or being mentored (maximum of 6 hours per year).
- Writing and editing law-related books or articles (maximum of 6 hours per year).
- Attending a study group, with at least 2 or more people present, when CPD content is discussed.
- Attending the educational components of bar and law association meetings.
Will the following activities count towards my CPD?
These activities are considered ineligible for CPD:
- Marketing to existing or potential clients.
- Acting as an adjudicator, chair or member for a tribunal or board or other panel.
- Doing pro-bono work.
- Attending meetings (e.g. LSUC meetings, AGMs, board or committee meetings etc.)
- File specific discussion.
How do I report my 2012 CPD hours?
You must report your eligible activities on the LSUC's online member portal, at
https://portal.lsuc.on.ca/wps/portal/custom_login_en by December 31, 2012.
If I have additional Professionalism Hours, above the 3 hours minimum, can I use them toward my Substantive Hours requirement?
Yes. Professionalism Hours accumulated above the 3 hour minimum may be used toward your Substantive Hours requirement.
If I have additional Substantive Hours, above the 9 hours, can I use them toward my Professionalism Hours requirement?
No. Any additional Substantive Hours above the 9 hours may not be counted towards your Professionalism Hour requirement.
What happens if I obtained more than 12 CPD hours in 2012?
You are unable to carry forward any additional hours from 2012 toward your 2013 CPD Hours requirement.
What happens if I don’t complete the CPD requirement by December 31, 2012?
You may be subject to administrative suspension from practice. In order to be re-instated you will be required to supply the LSUC with proof of the completion of
your missing hours.
Where can I find out more information?
Full details can be found on the LSUC's website at: http://rc.lsuc.on.ca/jsp/cpd/index.jsp.