What is CPD for Solicitors?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to the ongoing learning and development that solicitors must undertake to remain competent, compliant, and effective in their legal practice. In England and Wales, CPD for solicitors is governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under its continuing competence framework, which focuses on ongoing reflection and professional responsibility rather than a fixed number of training hours.
Rather than focusing on a prescribed minimum, the framework requires solicitors to reflect on their practice, identify learning needs, and take appropriate steps to maintain high professional standards.
Solicitor CPD requirements under the SRA
Under the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s continuing competence framework, solicitors are required to take an ongoing and reflective approach to their professional development. Rather than prescribing a fixed number of hours, the regime focuses on ensuring that solicitors remain competent to practise in their chosen role and area of law.
Solicitors must be able to demonstrate that they have
- Reflected on the quality and effectiveness of their legal practice
- Identified areas for learning and professional development
- Undertaken appropriate CPD activities to address those needs
- Applied what they have learned to improve the service provided to clients
- Maintained an appropriate record of CPD activities and reflective learning
There is no mandatory minimum CPD hours requirement. Instead, solicitors are expected to exercise professional judgment in assessing their own competence and development needs.
This flexible framework allows CPD to encompass a broad range of learning activities, including writing and publishing legal content, research and analysis, training, and engagement with legal and regulatory developments.
Why CPD is essential for solicitors
Continuing Professional Development is more than a regulatory obligation for solicitors. It plays a central role in maintaining professional standards, managing risk and supporting long-term career development within an increasingly complex legal landscape.
Regulatory Compliance
Maintaining competence is a core professional duty. A failure to do so can result in regulatory scrutiny and, in some cases, disciplinary action. Effective CPD enables solicitors to demonstrate compliance with the SRA Standards and Regulations by evidencing ongoing learning, reflection and improvement in practice.
Maintaining Legal Knowledge
The legal environment evolves rapidly, shaped by new case law, legislative reform and regulatory guidance. CPD ensures that solicitors remain informed and up to date with:
- Developments in case law and judicial interpretation
- Changes to legislation and regulatory frameworks
- Updated guidance from regulators and professional bodies
- Emerging best practice across the profession
Supporting Career Progression
A consistent and well-documented approach to CPD also supports professional growth. It provides a strong foundation for:
- Promotion and performance appraisals
- Specialisation within a particular practice area
- Lateral career moves and transitions to in-house roles
What counts as CPD for solicitors?
Under the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s continuing competence framework, a broad range of activities may qualify as CPD, provided they are relevant to a solicitor’s role and involve genuine learning and reflection. The focus is on maintaining competence and improving practice, rather than meeting a prescribed number of hours
Recognised CPD activities may include both formal and informal learning, such as:
- Writing and publishing legal articles, blogs or case commentaries
- Researching and analysing new legislation, regulatory guidance or judicial decisions
- Participating in legal training courses, webinars or professional conferences
- Engaging in peer discussions, supervision or mentoring
- Undertaking ethics, risk management and compliance-focused training
- Developing knowledge in LawTech, digital systems and practice management
When approached thoughtfully and supported by clear reflection, these activities can form part of a solicitor’s CPD record and help demonstrate ongoing competence in line with regulatory expectations.
Writing and Publishing CPD Content as a High-Value Learning Activity
Writing and publishing legal content is increasingly recognised as one of the most effective yet often underutilised forms of Continuing Professional Development for solicitors. The process of researching, analysing and articulating legal issues promotes meaningful learning and aligns closely with the SRA’s emphasis on reflection and continuing competence.
Producing CPD-focused written content allows solicitors to demonstrate a clear understanding of legal developments while engaging in structured reflection on how those developments affect their practice. It also creates tangible evidence of learning that can be retained as part of a solicitor’s CPD record.
Beyond compliance, publishing CPD content helps build professional credibility and visibility, positioning solicitors as informed and engaged practitioners. It also supports wider knowledge-sharing within the profession, contributing to higher standards and better-informed practice.
Examples of topics particularly well suited to CPD writing include:
- Analysis of recent court decisions and their practical implications
- Commentary on regulatory developments and SRA guidance
- Ethics and professional conduct case studies
- Practice-area guides, checklists and risk-management tools
- LawTech developments and digital compliance considerations
CPD and professional reputation
In today’s digital legal landscape, Continuing Professional Development plays an increasingly important role in shaping professional reputation and thought leadership. CPD is no longer confined to private learning; it also provides opportunities for solicitors to demonstrate expertise, insight and engagement with developments affecting the profession.
Solicitors who regularly engage in visible, CPD-focused activity — such as publishing legal commentary or analysis — can:
- Increase their professional visibility within the legal community
- Build trust and credibility with clients and peers
- Strengthen their individual professional profile
- Support firm-wide knowledge sharing and marketing strategies
For law firms, encouraging solicitors to undertake and share CPD activity sends a clear message about commitment to quality, competence and regulatory compliance.
CPD for solicitors: Best practice tips
To ensure CPD remains effective and meaningful, solicitors should consider the following best practice principles:
- Prioritise quality of learning over the quantity of activities undertaken
- Select CPD activities that are directly relevant to their role and practice area
- Maintain a balanced approach by combining technical legal learning with ethical and practice- management development
- Keep clear, accurate and dated records of CPD activities and reflective learning
- Review CPD regularly throughout the year, rather than treating it as an annual exercise
Final Thoughts
Continuing Professional Development for solicitors is no longer a matter of meeting formal requirements. Under the SRA’s continuing competence framework, CPD is an ongoing and reflective process that supports professional judgement, learning and improvement throughout a solicitor’s career.
Whether undertaken through formal training, legal research, or the writing and publication of professional content, effective CPD strengthens competence, enhances client protection and helps solicitors respond confidently to change within the legal landscape.
Solicitors who approach CPD with intent and reflection do more than meet regulatory expectations. They position themselves to lead, adapt and progress alongside an evolving profession.
