What’s your CPD personality type?

Imposter Syndrome haunts the competent, yet rarely troubles those who could probably do with a healthy dose of self-doubt. It’s a state of being all too familiar for many lawyers, and one of the most common that performance coach and former CEO of Squire Patton Boggs, John Poulsen, sees in his work. In this interview, we explore the roots of imposter syndrome and how legal professionals and legal organisations can overcome imposter syndrome with awareness, values alignment, and purpose.

Family law is in high demand, but the career path isn’t always clear. This article maps out your options – from CPD to postgraduate study and mediation – so you can see which step matches your stage and goals.

What is it really like to be a Wills and Estates lawyer? We spoke to Phillip Briffa, an award-winning Wills and estates lawyer, about what his daily workload looks like. Along with some of the more memorable requests that he receives daily.

A wrath of changes will be imposed upon Queensland legal practitioners, real estate agents, landlords, and mortgagees when the Property Law Act 2023 comes into effect on 1 August 2025. According to Tara Cush, College of Law lecturer Queensland, there will be the need to use specific forms to meet obligations under the new Act.

The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 10 December 2024. These amendments are a result of recommendations made by the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review of the family law system as well as feedback from stakeholders. These recommendations include changes to provisions concerning companion animals, taking a less adversarial approach, disclosure, divorce, protected confidences, and costs orders.

Managing professional development across a team can be overwhelming. Deadlines loom, client demands grow, and compliance remains non-negotiable. Training shouldn’t add to the stress—it should empower your team to thrive.

We caught up with Chris Bland, a seasoned solicitor, general counsel and principal of Legal Tradecraft Consulting who shares his top 5 commercial drafting strategies. 

Often touted as a lawyer’s secret weapon for success, perfectionism can boost productivity and improve your case results. But there is a shadow to this trait. We spoke with Shona Rowan on how to spot, harness and tackle perfectionism – for a constructive and sustained legal career. 

What skills matter most to lawyers? As lawyers’ careers progress, technical expertise develops alongside an ability to ‘read’ what a client wants, needs or might not be saying, as well as other skills like negotiation and business development. Yet the ability to make good decisions is often overlooked as a key skill of good lawyers. 

The College of Law has written an eBook guide to thriving as a lawyer, featuring 10 practical tips for new lawyers.

With the rise of online learning, it’s easier than ever to collect your CPD points at a time – and place – that suits you. Not all online courses are created equal. So how do you know if an online, or on-demand course will stack up? Here we explore the six markers of an excellent on-demand legal course.

The International Bar Association, The College of Law Australia and The Legal Policy & Research Unit have collaborated to develop a set of e-learning modules designed to assist individuals and organisations make the changes recommended by the 2019 landmark report Us Too? Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession. 

Ever wondered how to stand out and distinguish yourself as a junior lawyer? After running the gauntlet of competitive clerkships, you’ve landed a grad role. In those crucial years, how do you ensure you learn, provide value to your peers, mid-career lawyers, senior associates, special counsel, and partners - and steer clear of the mistakes that might sink or set back your career?

The College delves into the strategies and tactics that lawyers can employ to effectively negotiate salary and conditions. Drawing on insights from certified Executive and Leadership Coach Sue Billen and Mahlab Managing Director Lisa Gazis, we'll explore how to build a strong case for your worth, understand market trends, and navigate the complexities of negotiating with potential employers.

Mortgagee sales may be alluring to many property bargain hunters. However, hidden within the troubled title deeds of mortgagee sales can be caveats that can hinder the sale, or even more significantly impact subsequent buyers. We spoke to property lawyer Greg Stilianou to uncover what issues might impact mortgagee sales, why it’s important to address caveats early on, and what lawyers need to know when providing advice on a mortgagee sale.  

If you’re only doing CPD to stay compliant, you’re missing out. The real power of professional development is about building the skills, confidence, and expertise that make you stand out (along with staying up-to-date of course).

The Honourable Robert Benjamin AM SC is no stranger to conflict. Having served for nearly sixteen years as a judge on the Family Court of Australia, Robert has also been a Commissioner for Tasmania’s Inquiry into Government Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings. It’s a career that has seen him navigate the complex human dynamics of the courtroom. Robert shares his practical framework to navigate tricky conversations, specifically designed to help lawyers deliver unwelcome news to clients.

Leading firms use the EOFY to plan their CPD for the year ahead. Follow their lead and invest in a smarter CPD strategy: one platform, one fee, 120+ courses.

We shed light on the significant changes coming to off-the-plan contract legislation is property specialist and College of Law adjunct lecturer, Greg Stilianou. Greg explains the key details around the proposed reforms, how they aim to rebalance power between developers and purchasers, and offers practical advice for legal practitioners and consumers.

Australia's new tort of privacy, which came into effect in June 2025, will impact 90% of Australian businesses previously exempt from privacy regulation. The tort introduces new requirements around the "serious invasion" test, journalism defences, and a challenging one-year limitation period. We spoke to Matthew Hodgkinson, Managing Partner of Papillon Technology and Privacy Lawyers, who breaks down the five core elements lawyers must prove under the new tort.

After more than 50 years at St Leonards, The College of Law is moving into the heart of Sydney’s CBD in early 2022.

Restrictive covenants on property titles can become outdated relics that hinder development and create unnecessary burdens for owners. Here to shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of property law is property specialist and College of Law adjunct lecturer, Greg Stilianou. Greg explains the common types of obsolete covenants, legal pathways for their removal, and potential reforms that could streamline the process for property owners.

To prepare you for what’s next, let’s unpack the College of Law’s 5 most popular on-demand CPD Digital Subscription courses. It’s the best way to keep your skills sharp – and your mind engaged.

The College delves into the key requirements, steps involved, and potential challenges of cross-qualifying as an Australian lawyer in the UK. We spoke to Duha Al Hassnawi, an Australian foreign lawyer based in London, for her insights on the dual qualification process. Duha is currently enrolled in The College of Legal Practice’s SQE1 prep course.

LLM graduate Ilvana Nanic shares why she finds family law so rewarding, and her advice to lawyers interested in studying The College of Law LLM.

Explore how an LLM helped best graduating student (commercial litigation) Dominique Mayo advance her career.

Elena Leonardos, principle lawyer at Adelaide Legal Solutions, chose to complete her LPMC when the SA's regulation rules changed. Now, she's executing her 12-month plan to expand her business, and seeing an increase in the firm's profitability.

How do you transcend the daily grind to do work you love? When can a career become a calling? What steps can you take to achieve the career you want? We spoke to John Poulsen, former CEO of Squire Patton Boggs and Principal of People Passion Performance, for his insights on getting the career you want informed by an illustrious career in law and leadership.

For 50 years, the College of Law has led the way in practical legal education.

We stand in our own lane – empowering practitioners to become the best lawyers they can be. How? With innovative, hands-on training that evolves with the demands of the legal profession.

Our CPD Digital Subscription is built on this legacy.

The new year brings the chance to take a step back and assess where you want your career to go. For many lawyers, the public sector presents an opportunity to explore impactful policymaking. However, if private practice has dominated your career, the application process for the public sector can be daunting and, for the uninitiated, a little opaque. This can be true too even for career public servants.

How do we break the productivity addiction cycle? How do we find the focus to do meaningful work well and not cram our days full with too many things to do? To explore this, we spoke to Donna McGeorge, a productivity expert and author of Red Brick Thinking - a bold new call to simplify work by removing what no longer adds value.

This is your guide to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for lawyers across each Australian state. The CPD year runs from 1 April to 31 March, except for Tasmania, where it runs from 1 May to 30 April.

The law is a complex field heavily reliant on knowledge, interpretation and advice. This makes for a profession that can have far reaching consequences and, as a result, lawyers are held to high standards. Athol Opas presents annual ethics updates to firms to keep them abreast of recent cases of misconduct and/or common ethical breaches. We spoke to Athol to find out about the most common ethical breaches lawyers should be mindful of and to gain his top tips on complying within ethical obligations. 

What does it take to become one of the country’s top-performing specialist lawyers? 

According to Craig Gregson – who consistently snags a spot in Doyle’s Guide for his work in Wills and Estates – a healthy dose of ambition is key. And so is plenty of quality education. 

From lawyer to business leader, Selina turned her vision into reality with the LPMC. Discover how she gained the skills and strategy to launch her own firm.

The work of a lawyer can be demanding, and not simply in an intellectual sense. Emotional stakes can run high, and client trauma may intertwine with a practitioner’s own psychological well-being. The Honourable Robert Benjamin AM SC offers invaluable insights on the essential skill of professional debriefing.

  Major reforms to South Australia’s succession laws came into force on 1 January 2025. The new year saw the repeal of three Acts (the Administration and Probate Act 1919 (SA), the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1972 (SA) and the Wills Act 1936 (SA)), replacing these with a single Succession Act 2023. These are the most significant changes to be made in 30 years, Lawyer Megan Horsell outlines what you need to know.    

Learn why senior associate Alexandra Brand studied legal business subjects to improve her knowledge of marketing, pricing, strategy, and client service.

Running your own law firm isn’t for the faint-hearted. Yes, you’re your own boss. But with great power comes great responsibility. And that means wearing a lot of hats.  

Let’s unpack 5 of the most important skills – and corresponding on-demand CPD courses – that sole practitioners can’t do without.

Qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales is now easier than ever, with the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) presenting an alternative to the often-restrictive Legal Practice Course route. Furthermore, Australia is now on the list of countries where qualified lawyers can apply for an exemption for the SQE2. Alice Payne, Head of Business Development and Marketing at The College of Legal Practice explains how.

The Honourable Robert Benjamin AM SC has been a leading light in the Australian family legal system for decades. In his roles as Judge, Commissioner, President of the New South Wales Law Society, Chair of the College of Law, practitioner and meditator – Robert has had a profound impact on many areas of the law and continues to do so today. We asked the former Justice of the Family Court of Australia for insights into his extraordinary career and today’s family law practices.

Max recounts his path to discovering his passion in Wills and Estates – and how the College of Law helped him along the way.

Everyone approaches CPD differently. We’ve rounded up six of the most common CPD personalities. Where do you land?

The College of Law is spearheading legal education in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) space working closely with government and industry in the ASEAN region. The partnership with Austrade addresses the increasing demand for ESG training from ASEAN nations as they look to meet their transboundary obligations and work towards a more sustainable future.

It is time for Australian lawyers to become better connected with our regional neighbours, says Diligent Corporation's Asia Pacific Legal Counsel, Haylen Pong. Her role at Diligent, a modern governance company, requires frequent interaction with stakeholders, legal counterparts and other commercial interests across in APAC region.

The first NewLaw Careers virtual internship has launched with the College of Law in conjunction with the Centre for Legal Innovation (CLI) and Forage. Five NewLaw careers are on offer including Legal Operations Professional, Legal Data Analyst, Legal Technologist, Legal Knowledge Manager, and Family Law Mediator. Lead by impressive subject matter experts, read on to learn more.

Make 2025 your most productive year yet with the CPD Digital Subscription. Access 140+ courses anytime, anywhere – stress-free compliance made simple.

Discover the College of Law’s CPD bundles: cost-effective course packages to deepen your expertise, meet CPD requirements and advance your career.

From practical legal guides on cross-qualifying in the US and UK markets to insights on working with neurodivergent clients, our top ten legal stories highlight the profession's commitment to adaptation and excellence. As we head into 2025, these stories paint a picture of a profession in transition, where understanding the diverse needs of our clients matters as much as updates to the law itself. Let’s explore what captured your attention in 2024.

From 10 June 2025, major changes to the Family Law Act 1975 (‘the Act’) took effect across Australia. The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 introduced sweeping reforms to property settlement, following on from amendments regarding parenting arrangements and information sharing (which commenced in May 2024 under the Family Law Amendment Act 2023).

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia recently announced an expansion of its innovative Court Dog Program, with three new facility dogs set to join the Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle registries early this year. This expansion, funded by the Law Society of New South Wales, builds upon the program's remarkable success in Melbourne and Hobart.

Barrister and international arbitrator Martin Polaine has worked in over 80 countries. Learn how you can qualify as an international arbitrator with this College of Law pathways to CIArb membership.

In a world full of extroverts and loud leadership, quieter ways of leading and the power of a more introspective approach can be overlooked. In this article we talk to global executive coach and general manager of professional leadership consultancy FrontTier, Sam Shosayna, about the unique leadership abilities introverts possess. In the law, listening, observing and assessing, can provide powerful insights and leadership.

In just one hour, we’ll cut through the confusion about Practical Legal Training and give you the facts about your next step after uni.

The future of legal learning is here. We’ve redesigned our CPD catalogue to meet you where you are in your career. And to help you get to where you want to go. 

Simply want to fulfil your yearly CPD requirements? Select a subscription and you’re all set. 

The High Court has clarified the relationship between successive trustees in the recent decision of Naaman v Jaken Properties. Tasman Fleming, barrister and nationally accredited mediator (NMAS) and adjunct lecturer at the College of Law, reviews this significant case which addresses whether a successor trustee owes fiduciary obligations to a former trustee in respect of that former trustee's right of indemnity.

Ever felt like you’re dragging yourself through mud at work? It’s depressing – your motivation drops, your energy flags, nothing feels rewarding, and managing your billables and budgets starts to feel like torture. We caught up with executive coach Sue Billen to find out how she came out of career stall, and helps others find their way forward in their careers.

Mediation techniques can help lawyers move beyond legal entitlements to understand what clients really want—often leading to faster, more durable outcomes.

So how do you cultivate a commercial mindset as a lawyer? We spoke with Wenee Yap, a trained lawyer who now coaches lawyers on developing their entrepreneurial edge. Wenee co-authored Riding the Unicorn: The Startup Guide You'll Want To Read, a comprehensive ‘idea-to-IPO’ guide to building and scaling businesses.

The pandemic sparked a mass exodus from Australia’s metropolitan cities, as urban lawyers discovered what their country counterparts had long known: life is better in the country. We show you how to become a regional, rural or remote lawyer.

Kristen Wallwork is a highly experienced social justice specialist dedicating more than 20 years to serving local communities. In her role as Executive Director of the South-East Monash Legal Centre (SMLS), Kristen is at the coalface of emerging social justice issues. In good news, a national review is underway looking at improving funding for the Australian legal assistance sector, and first-of-its-kind grants, such as the SMLS team’s climate change grant into the legal implications of climate change disaster and day-to-day impact, are emerging.

Learn more about Jason Feng and his latest initiative, practisinglaw.com.au, which provides practical step-by-step guides, like File Management for Junior Lawyers, or answers to FAQs. It’s an entirely free service that Jason contributes to the legal community.

Joseph Catanzariti AM, Chair of the College of Law, presented the official keynote speech at the opening ceremony for 570 George Street, Sydney, the new international headquarters for the College of Law. 

For a couple who've signed a financial agreement, whether before marriage or relationship, during a relationship, or on the way out, enforceability can mean the difference between financial security and a brutal property battle. Here to help us unpack financial agreements, with a review of recent cases, is Kathryn Kearley, College of Law lecturer, family law specialist, and our regular Family Law contributor.

Launched in August 2023, members of the judiciary have participated in a ground-breaking new training initiative on workplace conduct. The College of Law, in conjunction with Equal Employment Opportunity Specialists (EEO Specialists) and the Experience Lab, has been engaged by the Western Australian judiciary to develop and deliver customised training, tailored to the unique working environments of Courts and Tribunals. 

We caught up with Gordon Tian, qualified barrister, solicitor, and chartered accountant, to find out how lawyers can best get tax ready at the beginning of the new financial year and make the most of their CPD in relation to revenue and tax deductions!

Successful law firm owners must excel beyond legal expertise, showcasing a range of business and interpersonal skills, crucial as the legal landscape evolves, demanding continual honing of these abilities. Let’s show you some quick and valuable ways to boost these skills quickly. 

Completing your CPD can sometimes bring resistance. So, we’re addressing these quandaries head-on – by sharing five insider tips every lawyer needs to know before tackling their CPD.

HINT: It's about making your CPD count for something more.

Insider tip 1: Deep dive into your practice area...

Philip Coates is one half of Brisbane-based firm Coates Davey Solicitors.  With considerable marketing and business experience, Philip had an advantage when he and his business partner opened the firm. But he knew he needed the law savvy to back him up.  He signed up to the College of Law’s LPMC – and assumed the role of Principal Lawyer of his own firm not one year later.  Here is Philip's story

We spoke with Lauren about her journey to legal specialisation. And how the College of Law was instrumental in getting her there. 

Family Law can be a challenging practice area at times. To assist we have collated a range of family law resources, from bench books to trauma-informed practice guides. These tools can assist family lawyers in navigating complex cases, particularly when dealing with matters involving domestic violence, trauma, and vulnerable clients.

Your CPD search stops here - This is your destination for all your CPD needs. Browse our curated bundles, find topic-specific on-demand courses, subscribe to access a diverse library of short-form content or join a live program and hear from world-class presenters, and expand your network.

Discover how a Digital CPD subscription can transform your training strategy. With unlimited access to 140+ courses, CPD compliance has never been easier.

The College of Law celebrates 50 years of service to the legal industry. Since it opened its doors in 1974, the College has empowered over 100,000 professionals to achieve their career aspirations in the law. We take a look at the College’s many legal education milestones and hear from long-standing CEO Neville Carter and Chairman Joseph Catanzariti AM.