Run by: PD able
Date created: 05 Sep 2025

Lawyers - New Zealand

This system is designed to support licensed lawyers practicing in New Zealand to track and manage their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Here, you can create and maintain your CPD Plan and Record (CPDPR), develop an action plan, log completed activities, upload evidence of participation, and generate a comprehensive transcript of your professional development. This transcript can be used when renewing your certification with the New Zealand Law Society.

New Zealand Society

Lawyers - New Zealand is a professional development system purpose built to align with the New Zealand Society framework. Become part of an ecosystem that fosters your career growth, maintains professional standards and keeps you in touch with industry requirements.

Lawyers can log and track 10 annual CPD hours with ease. The system supports professional growth, regulatory compliance, and access to resources tailored to lawyers practicing in New Zealand.

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Join as a Professional

If you are staff of a subscribing employer then your fees are covered. Simply sign up and connect.

Not with an employer? You can still use the system independently.
NZD $85.00 per year

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Open Entry

All people are welcome to join this PD System and you can join immediately.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites required to join this system

Requirements About Features Competencies

About Lawyers - New Zealand professional development

The New Zealand Lawyers Professional Development System on PD able is purpose-built for legal professionals regulated by the New Zealand Law Society (NZLS). Designed to support compliance with NZLS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements, the system offers a structured and accessible platform for planning, recording, and reporting professional development activities. It also promotes a culture of ongoing learning, ethical reflection, and professional growth within the legal profession.

System Features

This platform enables Lawyers to:

Create and manage their CPD Plan and Record (CPDPR).
Develop and update a personalised learning action plan.
Record CPD activities, including the date, duration, learning objectives, and reflections.
Upload supporting evidence of participation.
Monitor progress throughout the year via a streamlined dashboard.
Export a transcript for audit purposes or when renewing a practising certificate.

The system is aligned with NZLS expectations for self-directed learning and encourages practitioners to identify and pursue activities relevant to their specific areas of practice and professional development needs.

CPD Compliance Overview (NZLS)

Requirement: All lawyers who hold a practising certificate must complete a minimum of 10 hours of CPD activities annually. These must be recorded in a CPD Plan and Record (CPDPR), which includes planning, activity tracking, and a written reflective component.
CPD Year: The CPD year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
Declaration: Lawyers must complete a declaration confirming they have complied with CPD requirements when renewing their practising certificate.
Reflection: A key component of CPD is critical reflection — lawyers are expected to reflect on how the learning activities have contributed to their professional development and competence.
Auditing: The Law Society may conduct random audits of CPDPRs to ensure compliance.
Exemptions & Deferrals: Lawyers may apply for deferral or exemption in exceptional circumstances (e.g. extended leave, illness), but this must be formally approved by the NZLS.

System Purpose

The New Zealand Laywers PD system promotes a self-directed and outcomes-based approach to CPD. It helps members:

Stay up to date with legal knowledge and skills.
Meet their ethical obligations.
Ensure readiness for practice in a rapidly evolving legal environment.

Whether you're planning your CPD year, reflecting on your growth, or preparing for audit or certification renewal, this system provides all the tools you need to manage your professional development with confidence.

Key Features

check_circlePlanning tool

check_circleTranscript download

check_circleGoal setting

check_circleReflection writing

check_circlePoints tracking

check_circleRecommended activities

add_circle_outlinePlus many more...

Record these activities

check_circleModule / Tutorial

check_circleWorkshop

check_circleSeminar / Webinar

check_circleShort Course

check_circleLecture Series

check_circlePD Plan / Review

add_circle_outlinePlus over 20 more...

Who uses Lawyers - New Zealand

Professions

Lawyer / Barrister

Countries

New Zealand

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Areas of Competency

The following is a copy of the framework set out by: New Zealand Society

General CPD

Record activities to help you meet your CPD requirements. Attend legal conferences, seminars, or workshops, pursue further study, join study groups, or receive professional mentoring. Activities must be planned, interactive, and directly support your development as a legal professional.

General CPD Subject Area

The General CPD subject area includes a wide range of structured learning activities designed to support your ongoing professional development and competence. These activities must be planned, interactive, and aligned with your learning needs, and may take many forms, including:

Participation in legal education programmes such as conferences, seminars, training sessions, and workshops
Studying towards relevant degrees, diplomas, or certificates
Receiving structured, one-to-one mentoring, coaching, or instruction (non-file-specific and with defined learning goals)
Study groups or similar collaborative activities

Who Can Provide CPD Activities?

Activities can be organised by a wide range of professional bodies and institutions, including:

CPD providers (e.g. CLE New Zealand Law Society, ADLS, LegalWise)
NZLS branches and sections
New Zealand Bar Association and other legal associations
Universities and teaching institutions
Law firms, barristers’ chambers, or in-house training teams
Government legal services
External commercial or non-commercial training providers
Small groups of lawyers or professionals with shared legal interests

Delivery Formats

Activities may be delivered in person or online, including via webinars, video or audio conferencing, or any other real-time communication tools—provided there is opportunity for interaction and feedback (e.g. asking questions, participating in discussions).
CPD activities may be undertaken in New Zealand or overseas, as long as they meet the requirements of being structured, interactive, and relevant to your learning goals.

Counting CPD Hours

Only the actual time spent participating in qualifying activities counts toward your CPD requirement. Preparation, reading handouts, or breaks during events should not be included in your hours.

Verifying Participation

You should retain evidence of attendance or participation, such as:

A signed attendance record or certificate of completion
University transcripts or degree documentation
Confirmation emails from the provider
Workshop agendas signed by a facilitator or peer
Study group records, including dates, topics covered, and duration