A steep learning curve?

© Copyright LexisNexis 2026. All Rights Reserved.

14 May 2014 / Mark Solon

Categories: Opinion

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Mark Solon questions the SRA’s CPD proposals

We all know one of the many reasons a solicitor might face disciplinary action is failure to comply with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. Well watch out. All that is about to change. No longer will it be a matter of casually ticking boxes to prove how many CPD hours you have completed. Soon, if the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has its way, you are going to have to prove that you are a competent solicitor. Quite a different matter. And your next question, of course, is: How?

The new plan

Competence is specific to an individual solicitor. Are you recently qualified, a senior solicitor or associate? Do you work alone in a High Street practice or are you a partner in a multimillion pound global law firm? In which area of law do you practise? Child protection or conveyancing? Everyone is different and the differences are huge. No matter. All solicitors will now have to develop their own internal post-qualification professional development plan. Either on their own

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A steep learning curve?

© Copyright LexisNexis 2026. All Rights Reserved.

Mark Solon questions the SRA’s CPD proposals

We all know one of the many reasons a solicitor might face disciplinary action is failure to comply with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. Well watch out. All that is about to change. No longer will it be a matter of casually ticking boxes to prove how many CPD hours you have completed. Soon, if the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has its way, you are going to have to prove that you are a competent solicitor. Quite a different matter. And your next question, of course, is: How?

The new plan

Competence is specific to an individual solicitor. Are you recently qualified, a senior solicitor or associate? Do you work alone in a High Street practice or are you a partner in a multimillion pound global law firm? In which area of law do you practise? Child protection or conveyancing? Everyone is different and the differences are huge. No matter. All solicitors will now have to develop their own internal post-qualification professional development plan. Either on their own

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content

If you are already a subscriber sign in

...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

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