The Law Society CPD Requirements for Solicitors in Ireland for 2025

A Change In CPD Requirements

During the lockdown era, solicitors had little choice but to opt for online learning sessions through webinars. However, in the wake of the pandemic, solicitors are now encouraged to come together for in-person events as a way of collecting those all-important CPD points. With new flexible working models here to stay, the Law Society have adjusted the CPD requirements offering solicitors the greatest flexibility in reaching their targets.  

For solicitors across all practice areas, keeping up to date on the current CPD cycle requirements is not just advised, it’s non-negotiable.

In the following article, we delve into the Law Society CPD requirements for solicitors in Ireland, providing a comprehensive guide for the 2025 CPD cycle.

Understanding the Law Society CPD Requirements for solicitors in Ireland: The 2025 CPD cycle

Firstly, why are CPD requirements so important for solicitors practicing in Ireland? The Law Society have outlined these regulations to ensure that solicitors maintain their professional competence and adhere to the highest standards of practice.

As per the Law Society CPD requirements for solicitors, the current 2025 CPD cycle runs from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. The CPD regulations, amended in 2023, reflect the Law Society’s commitment to fostering continuous professional development and ensuring that solicitors are well-equipped to meet the demands of their profession.

Minimum CPD Requirements

For the 2025 cycle, the minimum Law Society CPD requirements for solicitors is set at 25 hours. These hours are categorized to ensure a balanced development across various crucial areas:

• General Solicitors: Solicitors who are neither sole practitioners nor compliance/anti money laundering compliance partners need to complete 25 hours of CPD. This includes a minimum of 5 hours dedicated to professional development and solicitor wellbeing, and at least 3 hours focusing on client care and professional standards.
• Sole Practitioners and Compliance/Anti Money Laundering Compliance Partners: The same 25-hour requirement applies, but at least 1 hour must cover accounting and anti-money laundering compliance. This hour can be part of the required 3 hours of client care and professional standards. As with general solicitors, a minimum 5 hours of professional development and solicitor wellbeing must be obtained.

Senior Practitioners

Solicitors who have dedicated 40 years of their lives to practising law are given the status of Senior Practitioners. The Law Society have made special provisions for those who have reached this milestone.

These provisions are:

• General Senior Practitioners: For those not serving as sole practitioners or compliance partners, the requirement is 8 hours, comprising 5 hours of professional development and solicitor wellbeing, and 3 hours on client care and professional standards.
• Senior Practitioners as Sole Practitioners or Compliance/Anti Money Laundering Compliance Partners: The same 8-hour requirement applies, including 1 hour on accounting and anti-money laundering compliance.  

Completing CPD: Methods and Limits

Given the stressful and sometimes isolating nature of the legal profession, the Law Society have acknowledged the importance of solicitor colleagues connecting, through both online learning and in-person events. This is reflected in the ways in which solicitors can obtain their CPD points.  

Solicitors have several options to complete their CPD hours, each with specific limits to ensure a well-rounded approach:

• Group Study: At least 5 hours (20%) must be completed through group study sessions. These are organized gatherings of three or more individuals engaging in a structured CPD activity lasting at least 30 minutes.
• eLearning: Up to 20 hours (80%) can be claimed through relevant eLearning activities. This method is flexible and convenient, allowing solicitors to learn at their own pace.
• Writing and Publishing: Solicitors can claim up to 12.5 hours (50%) for writing relevant articles or sections of legal periodicals or textbooks. This option encourages contributions to legal scholarship and the sharing of professional expertise.

Special Circumstances and Modifications

The Law Society recognises that certain circumstances may warrant a reduction in the number of required CPD hours.

Here are some of these circumstances:

• Newly-Admitted Solicitors
• Senior Practitioner
• Maternity, Adoptive, Parental, and Carers Leave
• Illness, Retirement, Unemployment, or Other Substantive Reasons
• Part-Time or Part-Year Practice

Regardless of their situation, solicitors must still complete at least 3 hours of client care and professional standards. Sole practitioners and compliance/anti money laundering compliance partners, even with modifications, must fulfil a minimum of 8 hours, including 5 hours on professional development and solicitor wellbeing, and 3 hours on client care and professional standards, including the required 1 hour on accounting and anti-money laundering compliance.

There may be certain circumstances where a solicitor has been allowed to reduce their CPD requirements to less than 8 hours. In these cases, the first three hours must be in the category of client care and professional standards. The remaining balance must fall into the category of professional development and solicitor wellbeing.

Activities Excluded from CPD

It should be noted that not all professional activities qualify for CPD. The following are excluded from counting towards CPD hours:

• Private study
• One-to-one training
• Reading articles, magazines, newspapers, and journals
• Research unrelated to immediate practice needs
• Sitting or marking examinations
• Completing quizzes
• General lifestyle hobbies and fitness training
• Volunteering at legal advice centres or community schemes
• Pro bono work
• Work shadowing
• Social engagements, unless they include specific, relevant training sessions
• Attendance at AGMs, unless there is a specific relevant training item

 Ensuring Compliance and the Risk of Audit

Needless to say, the onus is on solicitors to maintain accurate records of their CPD points. And yes, we understand that this is easier said than done for solicitors balancing tight deadlines with heavy workloads. However, failure to comply with CPD requirements can result in an automatic audit. Solicitors who fail to meet their obligations will be required to provide proof of compliance for an additional two years. This reinforces the importance of diligent record-keeping and adherence to the Law Society’s regulations.

The Benefits of CPD Compliance

It was WB Yeats that once said, “Education is not the filling of the pot, but the lighting of a fire”. So, while the Law Society CPD requirements for solicitors may seem like an extra burden to add to their workload, embracing CPD sessions offer significant benefits:

• Enhanced Professional Competence: Continuous learning ensures solicitors stay current with legal developments and best practices.
• Improved Client Care: Specialised training in client care and professional standards enhances the quality of service provided to clients.
• Professional Wellbeing: Emphasis on professional development and solicitor wellbeing helps mitigate the stresses of legal practice, promoting a healthier work-life balance.
• Networking Opportunities: Group study sessions and in-person events provide valuable opportunities for networking and peer support.

Key Takeaways: The Law Society CPD Requirements for Solicitors in Ireland 2025

To make things easier for you, we have summarised the key points of the Law Society CPD requirements for solicitors:

1. Total CPD Hours: 25 hours required for most solicitors; 8 hours for Senior Practitioners (40+ years of practice).
2. Mandatory Categories:
   • 5 hours: Professional development and solicitor wellbeing
   • 3 hours: Client care and professional standards
   • 1 hour: Accounting and anti-money laundering compliance (for sole practitioners and compliance partners)
3. Completion Methods:
   • Minimum 5 hours (20%) through group study
   • Up to 20 hours (80%) through eLearning
   • Up to 12.5 hours (50%) for writing and publishing
4. Special Circumstances: Reduced requirements available for newly-admitted solicitors, maternity/parental leave, illness, part-time practice, etc.
5. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records to avoid automatic audits.
6. Exclusions: Private study, one-to-one training, general reading, and various non-specific activities do not count towards CPD.
7. Compliance Period: January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025

Remember to check the Law Society’s official 2025 CPD Scheme booklet for complete details and any updates.

Meeting the Law Society CPD Requirements for Solicitors is Simple with Solicitors Growth Network

Adhering to the Law Society CPD requirements for solicitors in Ireland is not just about meeting mandatory regulations; it is about investing in one’s professional growth and maintaining the highest standards of legal practice.

If you would like to know more about the current CPD regulations, the Law Society have put together a handy 2025 CPD Scheme booklet which you can view here. And to help you keep on top of your records, you can also download the 2025 CPD Scheme Record Card here. 

Want to get all your CPD requirements fulfilled for the year in one tidy package? Well look no further than Solicitors Growth Network. Become a member of SGN today and you’ll have access to over 20+ hours of online training throughout the year. You can also avail of our annual roadshows providing the required 5 hours of In-person CPD hours, which are complimentary for SGN members. 

As a flexible way of collecting your CPD points, members can also enjoy year-round 24/7 access to replays of all webinars to watch on demand, receiving a personalised CPD cert by email.  To learn more about becoming a member of Solicitors Growth Network, head to our membership page here.

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