At their July 2008 meeting, the Benchers approved Rules implementing the Lawyer Education Advisory Committee’s recommendations for a continuing professional development program, commencing January 2009.
Although continuing professional development for lawyers exists in many other jurisdictions, including England, Wales, Australia and 42 American states, no other Canadian law society has implemented such requirements — except Nova Scotia, which requires lawyers who do land registration work to complete a prescribed course.
The subject has been debated in BC since the 1970s. The Benchers believe the public and the profession will benefit by being assured that there is a commitment among lawyers to establishment, promotion and improvement of the standards of legal practice in the province.
The Law Society took the first step toward a mandatory, continuing professional development program in 2005 when it introduced mandatory reporting of professional development activities.
Also in this section, see Approved Educational Activities and Frequently Asked Questions.
The Law Society welcomes your comments and suggestions on the Continuing Professional Development Program. Email your comments to:
Alan Treleaven, Director of Education and Practice, atreleaven@lsbc.org.
Background
Reports
Benchers' Bulletin articles
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