CPD - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for events?
Mid week events do not require bookings. Registration for certain conferences may be carried out online at www.lawlibrary.ie, or members may register for an event by contacting the CPD Unit in the Bar Council on e-mail: cpd@lawlibrary.ie

How many hours should I claim for events I attended?
This is a matter for each barrister. The CPD system is one of self-certification so a barrister is expected to record the number of hours attended, rather than those advertised.

Am I required to attend any compulsory courses?
You will only have to attend compulsory courses if you are in your first 12 months of practice. If this applies you will be required to attend sessions which have been devised especially for pupils.

Do I have to submit documentary evidence of courses attended when returning my completed CPD Compliance card?
No. However, members are required to retain evidence of having attended any seminar, course, conference or lecture attended for which CPD hours are to be claimed. You should ensure you sign the registration documents and that there is a record of your attendance.

How many points can I claim from writing an article or a paper?
One point per hour of preparation up to a maximum of 4 points may be claimed per article or paper published.

How many points can I gain from writing a textbook?
Up to 8 points may be claimed per textbook. Co-authorship will attract the same number of points.

Can I claim points for reading legal journals?
Yes. Half a CPD point per article read may be claimed up to a maximum of 2 points per year.

Are points available for viewing recorded CPD DVDs or listening to MP3 downloads of CPD seminars?
This falls under the same heading as ‘Reading legal journals’ and points may be claimed for these on the same basis i.e. A maximum of 2 points may be claimed for either reading legal journals or viewing CPD DVDs or listening to MP3 files of recorded CPD seminars.

Are points allowable for participation on a committee?
Points are not allowable for participation on a committee.

Can I claim points for the same seminar if I present it more than once in the same year?
Points can only be claimed once in a given year for the presentation of a seminar.

I lecture in law on a regular basis. How many points can I claim from lecturing?
You may claim a maximum of 6 points for ongoing lecturing of law.

How many points may I claim for giving a talk or one off lecture?
Up to 4 points may be claimed for preparatory work for a seminar or conference (1 point per hour of preparation) and points may also be claimed for attendance at the event, again on a point per hour basis.

Does the Bar Council recommend seminars run by specific providers?
Each barrister should decide which seminars meet the criteria for CPD activities and which would be of most benefit to him/her.

The main consideration is that they are relevant to the practice needs of the profession.

Can I carry CPD points over from year to year?
Only in the case where a barrister undertakes CPD activities in the months of August or September thereby exceeding the total CPD points for that year, may excess points up to a maximum of five be applied to the following year's CPD activities.

I do voluntary work for FLAC and other voluntary organisations. Can I claim points for this activity?
Points may be claimed for voluntary legal work (if approved by the Bar Council). These may be claimed on a point per hour basis, to a maximum of 6 points.

My particular circumstances do not appear to be covered by the regulations or have changed during the relevant practice year. What do I do?
Contact the CPD Unit in the Bar Council at the earliest opportunity to discuss the problem.

How will compliance be monitored?
You are required to certify compliance with the scheme annually. The CPD Compliance Card should be completed and returned to the Bar Council CPD Unit.

Who do I speak to in the Bar Council?
Queries regarding CPD should be directed CPD Managers Inga Ryan & Marjorie Connolly at the Bar Council at tel. 01 817 4614 or email: cpd@lawlibrary.ie.