Yes. A member who wishes to retain practising status but is temporarily unable to meet the CPD requirements may request an exemption.

To request an exemption, members must:

      • Submit a declaration confirming that they are temporarily, and for a specific                                  purpose, not currently engaged in the practice of law;
     
      • Explain the reason(s) for the exemption request; and
     
      • Complete and submit a Request for Exemption Form.

The Law Society may request supporting documentation as part of the review process.

An exemption request is not required in the following circumstances:

      • Change to non-practising status:
        A member who changes their status from practising to non-practising during the                          reporting year will automatically receive an exemption of one (1) CPD credit for each full            calendar month they hold non-practising status.
    
      • Year of admission:
        A member is not required to complete twelve (12) CPD hours in the calendar year                        in which they successfully complete the Law Society’s Bar Admission Program, or                        an equivalent program in another Canadian jurisdiction.
     
      • Members entering practice mid-year:
        A member is only required to complete one (1) CPD credit for each full or partial                          calendar month they hold practising status during the reporting year.

Yes. Members may carry over up to six (6) excess CPD hours from the previous year, provided they exceed the annual minimum requirement.

Important notes:

      • Carry-over hours cannot be used to satisfy the two (2) annual Professional                                    Responsibility and Ethics hour requirement, even if the carried-over hours are in                            that category.

      • If excess CPD hours were reported in the previous year, the carry-over option will                          automatically appear on the Report CPD Hours form.
 

If you do not meet the CPD requirements by December 31:

      • A late completion fee of $200 (plus HST) will be automatically charged; and
     
      • You may be granted an extension until April 1 of the following year to complete,                          report, and certify compliance.

If you have not complied by April 1:

      • You will be suspended from practice until all required CPD hours are completed,                          reported, and certified; and
     
      • Prior to reinstatement, you must pay:
            
              ○ the late completion fee of $200 (plus HST); and
              ○ a reinstatement fee of $250 (plus HST).