As 2024 comes to a close, we’ve received numerous questions from family lawyers about completing their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. Staying compliant with the Law Society of Ontario’s (LSO) CPD requirements is essential, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming with your busy practice schedule. That’s why we’re here to help!
In this blog, we’ll address the most common questions we’ve been asked and provide links to LSO-accredited recordings that can help you meet your CPD hours efficiently.
FAQs About CPD Hours for 2024
1. How many CPD hours do I need in 2024?
According to the LSO, lawyers and paralegals must complete 12 hours of CPD annually, including:
- At least 3 Professionalism Hours focused on ethics, professionalism, and practice management. Of those 3 professionalism hours, at least 1 hour must address issues of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
- Up to 9 Substantive Hours, which can cover topics relevant to your legal practice. These do not need to be accredited)
2. What counts towards Professionalism Hours?
Professionalism Hours must be accredited by the LSO and focus on enhancing skills such as ethics and professional responsibility, client service, and managing your practice. Recordings and live sessions specifically labeled as “Professionalism Content” will count.
3. Can I complete my CPD hours through recorded webinars?
Absolutely! The LSO allows you to complete your hours through accredited recorded programs. This flexibility makes it easier to fit CPD into your schedule by learning at your own pace.
LSO-Accredited Recordings for 2024 CPD Hours
To help you complete your hours, we’ve curated a list of accredited recordings that are perfect for family lawyers:
- Third Annual FLN Live Virtual Summit – Day 1
- The Denise House
- 2024 Case Law Update – SUBSTANTIVE
- How To Become A Super Communicator Pt 1 – SUBSTANTIVE
- How To Become A Super Communicator Pt 2 – SUBSTANTIVE
- Impasse: It Happens… A Lawyer’s Guide on How to Fix It – SUBSTANTIVE
- The Art & Magic of Option Generation – SUBSTANTIVE
- Ethics & Strategy: Best Practices for Navigating Divorce & Separation – 1 HOUR PROFESSIONALISM
- Third Annual FLN Live Virtual Summit – Day 2
- Keynote Presentation: All the Ways to Collaborate – Examining Different Models of Collaborative Practice – SUBSTANTIVE
- Risk Factors in Family Violence – 1 HOUR PROFESSIONALISM
- Family Law Financing – 1 HOUR PROFESSIONALISM
- Embracing the 2SLGBTQI+ Community in our Family Law Practice – 1 HOUR EDI PROFESSIONALISM
- Chartered Business Valuator Reports: What are the Options? – 1 HOUR PROFESSIONALISM
- Attribution of Pre-tax Corporate Income: A Deep Dive – SUBSTANTIVE
- How New Advances in AI are Shaping the Legal Profession – 1 HOUR PROFESSIONALISM
Stay Compliant and Strengthen Your Practice
Meeting your 2024 CPD requirements isn’t just about compliance; it’s an opportunity to enhance your skills and grow as a family lawyer. With our LSO-accredited resources, completing your hours has never been easier.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out—we’re always here to support your professional development.
If you require proof of registration please use the form on our Summit webpage.
Tips for Completing Your 2025 CPD Hours
- Plan Ahead: Mark your calendar with deadlines and block time for CPD sessions each month to avoid last-minute stress.
- Leverage Recordings: Use recordings to complete hours at your own pace, especially during quieter periods in your practice.
- Focus on Growth: Choose sessions that align with your career goals, such as improving client communication or mastering dispute resolution techniques.
- Track Your Progress: Use the LSO’s Member Portal to monitor completed hours and ensure compliance.