Body & Jurisdiction
Law Society of New South Wales (LSNSW) — New South Wales (Australia).
Who Must Comply
Holders of a NSW practising certificate (solicitors).
Annual CPD Requirements
10 CPD units per CPD year (1 Apr–31 Mar), incl. ≥1 unit in each compulsory field (Ethics, PM&BS, Professional skills, Substantive law).
Specifics
1 unit = 1 hour. Per CPD Rules: caps apply to some activity types (e.g., writing/publishing, presenting, committee work, private study of designed A/V materials). Up to 3 units earned 1 Jan–31 Mar may be carried forward to the next year (not double-counted). Pro-rata applies if commencing mid-year.
Compulsory Modules
Who Can Deliver CPD That Counts
LSNSW or external providers (in-person, webinar, online/on-demand) that meet the Rule 7 content test and Rule 8 format.
Can SKILLINGS Education Courses Count?
Yes — Claimable (Self-Assessed) when relevant to practice (typically Practice management & business skills or Professional skills). Map each course to a field. Final acceptance/field allocation is at LSNSW’s discretion.)
How to Claim/Recording Keeping
Self-record CPD; retain evidence for 3 years; declare compliance at renewal. LSNSW conducts periodic CPD compliance audits.
Types of Activities Accepted
Seminars/workshops, conferences, web-based/online programs, presenting/publishing, committee work, postgraduate study (subject to Rule 9 caps).
Evidence Needed
Attendance records/receipts or a certificate/statement showing name, date, duration; keep for audit.
Assessment Required
Not mandated by the CPD Rules; credit is time-based per Rule 9 (provider assessments may apply).
Oversight and Key Legislation
Legal Profession Uniform CPD (Solicitors) Rules 2015 under the Legal Profession Uniform Law; local guidance via LSNSW.
Further Information
