Common Mistakes Lawyers Make When Fulfilling CPD Requirements (and How to Avoid Them)

The March 31st deadline for legal CPD is fast approaching, and for many lawyers, meeting their annual CPD requirements can feel like a last-minute scramble. While completing CPD is a professional obligation, it’s also an opportunity to enhance your expertise and grow your legal practice. However, many lawyers make mistakes that can lead to wasted time, missed learning opportunities, and even compliance risks.

At TEN The Education Network (www.tved.net.au), we want to help you get the most out of your CPD. Here are some common CPD pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. Leaving CPD to the Last Minute

One of the biggest mistakes lawyers make is procrastinating until the final weeks before the deadline. This often leads to:
❌ Rushed course selection
❌ Limited availability of quality CPD programs
❌ Stress and compliance risks if requirements aren’t met

🔹 Solution: Plan ahead! Spread your CPD activities throughout the year to maximise learning and avoid the end-of-March rush. Consider using recorded webinars or a CPD subscription to fit CPD into your schedule with ease.

2. Choosing CPD That Doesn’t Add Value

Many lawyers treat CPD as a checkbox exercise, selecting courses that don’t enhance their skills or career development. This results in wasted time and missed opportunities for professional growth.

🔹 Solution: Select CPD programs that align with your practice area, career goals, and emerging legal trends. We offer tailored CPD programs for different legal specialties to help you make meaningful progress in your career.  

3. Ignoring Mandatory CPD Areas

Each jurisdiction requires lawyers to complete CPD across four key competency areas:
✅ Ethics and Professional Responsibility
✅ Practice Management and Business Skills
✅ Professional Skills
✅ Substantive Law

Failing to meet these requirements could lead to non-compliance and potential issues with your legal practicing certificate.

🔹 Solution: When planning CPD, ensure your selections cover all required categories. Consider a CPD Power Pack, which includes a mix of compulsory topics in one convenient bundle.

4. Not Keeping Proper CPD Records

Many lawyers assume their CPD providers will track their progress, only to realize at the last minute that they don’t have the necessary records to verify their CPD compliance.

🔹 Solution: Always keep your own CPD records, including certificates and attendance confirmations. 

5. Sticking to Just One Learning Format

Some lawyers rely solely on online webinars, limiting their exposure to different learning methods. A diverse approach can make CPD more engaging and effective.

🔹 Solution: Mix up your CPD activities! Explore live webinars, recorded webinars, e-books, podcast subscriptions and conferences to gain the most from your learning experience.

6. Not Keeping Up with Emerging Legal Trends

Legal practice is constantly evolving, and CPD is a great way to stay ahead. However, some lawyers focus only on fulfilling their CPD hours without considering how new laws and regulations affect their practice.

🔹 Solution: Choose CPD topics that address emerging trends like AI in law, cybersecurity, ESG regulations, and family law reforms to ensure your practice remains competitive.

Get the Most Out of Your CPD with TEN

TEN provides high-quality legal CPD programs that help you stay compliant while enhancing your career. Whether you need on-demand webinars, live online seminars, or CPD Power Packs, we’ve got you covered.

⏳ Don’t wait until the last minute! Browse our CPD offerings now at www.tved.net.au and complete your CPD with confidence.

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