New barristers' CPD rule commenced

13 December 2019

On 6 December 2019, after consultation with all Australian Bars, regulatory authorities in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia, and the public, the Legal Services Council (LSC) made the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Barristers) Amendment (CPD Activity) Rule 2019 (Rule) under s 419 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law 2014 (Uniform Law). The Rule amends rules 5 and 6 and creates a new rule 6A of the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Barristers) Rules 2015. It commenced on 13 December 2019.

The LSC is concerned that the high standards of the profession are maintained and quality services continue to be rendered to consumers, by CPD points being allocated only to activities that are current, relevant and likely to increase the knowledge and skills of legal practitioners. 

The effect of the Rule is to provide barristers with:

• Clarity about the qualitative content of a CPD activity - by plainly stating that a CPD activity must be relevant to the barrister's professional development needs in relation to the barrister's practice of the law.
• Guidance about the types of activities in various formats that may comprise a CPD activity - by creating a list of the same.
  

In approving the LSC's recommendation of the Rule, the Standing Committee comprising the Attorneys General of NSW, Victoria, and Western Australia, noted the consultation that had taken place.