The twelve (12) hour requirement is subject to adjustment for entering or ceasing practice during the reporting year. Members who practice law within the reporting year must complete one (1) credit hour for each full and partial calendar month they are engaged in the practice of law in that year. The minimum of two (2) annual Professional Responsibility and Ethics hours must be maintained regardless of the date of entering or ceasing practice.

The Law Society may exempt from these requirements members who submit a declaration that they are temporarily and for a specific purpose not currently engaged in the practice of law.

Members seeking an exemption must submit a Request for Exemption Form and explain the reason(s) for the requested exemption. The Law Society may request supporting documentation from the member seeking an exemption.

Exemptions will only be granted commencing from the date the written request is received, except where it was impracticable to submit a written request prior to the date submitted.

Furthermore, all members who meet the following conditions will receive an exemption:

• A member who changes their membership status from practising to non-practising during the reporting year will automatically be exempted 1 CPD credit for each full calendar month in which they hold non-practising status.

• A member is not required to complete twelve hours of continuing professional development in the calendar year in which the member successfully completes the Society’s admission program or the equivalent in another Canadian jurisdiction.

• A new member will only be required to complete 1 CPD credit for each full or partial calendar month they hold practising status in New Brunswick in the reporting year.

Exemptions for Members who are Temporarily not Engaged in Practice:

• A member who wishes to retain their practising status but is unable to fulfil the CPD requirements because of illness or parental leave, for example, may also qualify for an exemption.  This member shall submit a Request for Exemption Form and the supporting documents to cpd-fpc@lsbnb.ca.