Whether you’re a new or seasoned lawyer, your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a must.

Completing your CPD can sometimes bring resistance. Certain questions can arise. Like, how can I do this quickly and painlessly? And is it really useful?

So, we’re addressing these quandaries head-on – by sharing 5 insider tips every lawyer needs to know before tackling their CPD.

HINT: It’s all about ensuring your learning works for you (not the other way around).

Insider tip 1: Tailor your CPD to your practice area

Strategic thinking is the name of the legal game – particularly if you want to become a specialist or leader. And this extends to your CPD choices.

Say your sights are set on becoming a Wills and Estates practitioner. Or perhaps you fancy opening a private practice one day focusing on family law. Whatever your ambition, your CPD journey should reflect that.

Here’s where our cost-effective bundle courses come to your aid.

Designed with a focus on learning the essential knowledge and practical skills in a practice area, each bundle gives you four carefully curated courses to deepen your expertise – and fast-track your way to mastery.

Insider tip 2: Learn from industry experts

You can learn a lot from theory. But there's no substitute for real-world insight when it comes to the practical application of law, client management – and just about anything in the legal profession, really.

That’s why all the College’s CPD courses are taught by industry experts, hand-picked for their wealth of practical and battle-tested knowledge.

So whether you’re in a digital, on-demand classroom or a face-to-face seminar, you’re gaining knowledge from a seasoned practitioner who has mastered their practice area – whether through live interactions or their contributions to an on-demand course.

And when it’s all over? You’ll walk away with the most up-to-date knowledge on trends, strategies and best practices to boost your legal career.

Insider tip 3: Use your CPD to network

Know the saying, ‘It’s not what you know, but who you know?’

While we don’t believe this applies to all areas of the legal profession, it does hold some weight. After all, your relationships could be the difference between a new role and a continuing job hunt.

So, think of CPD as more than learning, but a fantastic networking opportunity with like-minded individuals who share similar passions for the law.

You’ll learn from experts, so why not connect with them? Ask questions, be curious about their career and be generous with your time. These small acts can help build a meaningful network, catalyse collaboration, and drive career growth.

Insider tip 4: Localise your CPD

In most Australian states and territories, solicitors must complete 10 CPD units annually. Accredited Specialist need 20 CPD points every year.

And with different activities worth varying CPD points, it can be a lot to keep track of.

But here’s the good news. You can complete all your CPD requirements with the College’s Digital Subscription. Think of it as a one-stop shop for quality courses that sharpen your skills.

You’ll gain unlimited access for 12 months – meaning you can manage your CPD on a timeline that suits you. And best of all? It contains over 70 on-demand courses, so you can focus on what matters to you.

Insider tip 5: Be an active learner

Think of the lawyers you admire. Are they sought-after for their expertise? Are they competitive in their practice area?

Chances are they seize the opportunity CPD brings to test their knowledge – and stay ahead of the pack. In other words, they see CPD as more than a box-ticking exercise.

They see it as critical to their ongoing growth and success.

So, why not adopt this perspective too? When your next CPD activity rolls around, engage in the course actively. Whether online, on-demand, in-person, or via private study, immerse yourself in the content. Challenge your assumptions. And most importantly, apply what you’ve learned.

You may be surprised how far a short course can take your knowledge.

When you do your CPD with the College of Law, you learn from industry leaders on a schedule that suits you. Choose from three on-demand options today – and amplify your impact tomorrow.

Related resources

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Don’t leave your CPD too late: Get ahead with these 5 strategic tips