4 reasons why CPD remains important for your firm

In the dynamic legal sector where legislation evolves and client expectations continuously transform, the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for UK lawyers cannot be overstated. While CPD is no longer formally measured since the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) dropped the mandatory 16-hour CPD in 2014, it’s still a crucial part of professional growth and excellence. Here, we discuss the significance of CPD, highlighting how it contributes to continued competency, skill enhancement, improved client service, and ongoing motivation.

Continued competency: Navigating the changing legal landscape

The legal landscape is constantly evolving, not only concerning the route to qualification through the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) but also with statute, regulation, and case law evolution. To remain a competent legal professional throughout any career, embracing CPD should be considered a non-negotiable for ambitious professionals and the firms that support them. It equips lawyers with the personal and professional skills needed to best serve their clients and firm, ensuring they stay well-versed in the intricacies of their practice area. This not only safeguards lawyers from becoming obsolete, but also enables them to provide sound advice and representation to clients.

Enhance their skills: elevating the professional

As well as enhancing their knowledge of their specific practice area, CPD also enables lawyers to develop new skills and explore innovative approaches to solving complex legal challenges. By embracing diverse learning opportunities, lawyers can become more versatile practitioners too. Despite the mandatory CPD requirement being dropped in 2014, a survey by the SRA in 2019 found that 40% of law firms were doing more professional training under the new regime, while 52% were doing ‘about the same amount.’ So those who choose not to pursue professional development risk falling behind their peers.?

Better serve clients: a commitment to excellence

At the heart of every lawyer's mission is the client's best interest and a recent LexisNexis report highlighted that “client experience is emerging as the new frontier on which law firms are competing” with engagement and problem resolution listed as the top priorities for clients. This provides important differentiations between firms, and CPD can play a vital role in building a culture of heightened client service. By engaging in continued learning, lawyers can enhance their practical skills including the ability to provide well-informed, strategic advice tailored to the unique needs of their clients, as well as the personal skills that are vital for building and reinforcing positive client relationships.

Stay motivated: igniting the passion for law

Unfortunately, in such a high-pressure sector, burnout is a real concern with 6 out of 10 reportedly experiencing this. CPD, however, can prove to be a valuable solution. As well as tackling relevant courses including time and stress management to deal with any issues head-on, learning new concepts and mastering new skills can help to inject a fresh perspective and wave of motivation. As well as formal CPD training, this could include events, networking, and conference activities too. Plus, according to a survey conducted by the CPD Research Project, there is a strong correlation between encouraging CPD in the workplace and employees’ commitment to the job. So, there’s a real benefit for employers for making this investment.?

The importance of CPD for UK lawyers goes beyond professional obligation. It supports continuous growth, ensuring legal professionals stay at the forefront of legal excellence. Plus, through CPD, lawyers can uphold their competency, amplify their skills, enhance client service, and reignite their passion for the profession. Embracing CPD as a lifelong learning experience is beneficial not only for the individual but also for the firm.?

For more information about our CPD courses, click the link below:

https://altior.co.uk/courses/continuing-professional-development/