Scotland’s CPD system for solicitors is built around structured, reflective professional development. Administered by the Law Society of Scotland, it focuses on verifiable learning and includes mandatory risk management training each year. PD able gives you the tools to meet and track these expectations—seamlessly and securely.
With integrated planning, logging, and reflection tools, the platform ensures that Scottish solicitors can stay compliant, maintain accurate records, and engage meaningfully with their professional learning.
SYSTEM SUMMARY
- Annual CPD requirement: 20 hours
- At least 15 hours must be verifiable CPD
- At least 1 hour must focus on risk management
- Up to 5 hours may be private study
- Verifiable CPD must:
- Have clear aims and outcomes
- Provide interaction or feedback
- Be evidencable
- Be distinct from daily work
- CPD must relate to professional legal knowledge, skills, ethics, risk management, or career development. Topics like trauma-informed practice, business continuity, and cybersecurity are also encouraged.
- Planning, recording, and reflection are required each year. Solicitors must maintain an annual CPD record and be able to demonstrate the relevance and outcomes of their learning.
Monitoring & exemptions
- The Law Society reviews a minimum 5% of practitioners annually for compliance.
- Exemptions and pro-rata adjustments are available for illness, parental leave, and returning to work.
- Failure to comply can result in remedial requirements or referral to the Society's professional conduct process.
A family of systems for lawyers across the UK
PD able supports compliance and progression across the UK:
- Lawyers – Scotland (selected)
- Lawyers – England & Wales
- Lawyers – Northern Ireland
Each system is tailored to meet local regulatory needs while helping you retain and transfer your development records with ease.
REVIEW
The Scottish CPD system encourages lawyers to take ownership of their growth through structured, reflective, and risk-aware learning. With PD able, Scottish solicitors can plan, document, and evaluate their CPD activity with confidence and clarity.