While the move to open and e-learning is growing in many sectors, the legal profession has lagged a little behind other markets. To be honest, our CPD requirements are not onerous when compared to some other professions; even institutes and associations often require more than the mandatory 10 hours a year we complete. While other professions have adopted e-learning as a coping mechanism to deal with up to 60 hours of CPD per year, early adopters in the legal area appear to be looking for convenience and efficiency. While compliance is obviously a motivator for many, focusing only on that aspect is a lost opportunity. For the enlightened who see the pathway of lifelong learning as the goal, the growth in online education (and CPD) opens up a whole new world of opportunity while ticking the compulsory mandatory requirements box at the same time.  

Passive learning is usually devoid of valuable classroom interaction; however, the new live webinar experience adds a layer of interactivity that can result in a more engaged learning process. The convenience of being able to sit at your desk or even at home while interacting with professionals in other states (even countries) is hard to ignore. The move towards workplace-based situational learning is well under way and the development of comprehensive online platforms which allow the e-learner to progress at their own pace through a select or tailored course has started a revolution in education.

Online provider CPD for Me calculates that 93% of the lawyers using its services are sole practitioners or come from firms of up to four partners. Regional firms have also been big adopters of the service, in part because of the effort required to attend face to face training when significant distance is involved, but also because the lower cost fits well with the cost consciousness of smaller firms.

The continuing digital evolution is one of the biggest challenges facing the professions today. Innovation is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. Much of the creativity seen in the legal area is coming from smaller and regional firms who are using technology and the digital economy as an enabler to overcome distance and isolation. Online learning is a perfect solution for distance and time challenged professionals. As we become more experienced in course design and gain more hard data on the learning outcomes, we will be able to confirm current anecdotal reports on the efficiency of e-learning and its effectiveness for the profession.

CPD for Me provides a mix of monthly interactive webinars with over 45 barristers, accredited specialists and legal industry expert presenters. Sessions are recorded and lawyers can choose from over 100 on-demand CLE/CPD sessions in Practice Management, Substantive Law, Professional Skills, Ethics and Professional Responsibility and watch from their desk or home, when they are ready.

Lawyers can purchase a single unit for $65 or subscribe to a 3, 5 or 10 unit package which includes a CPD activity tracker report. The 10 unit package for one fee earner is only $395 and offers unlimited access to watch any on-demand session and attend any lunchtime webinar until 31/3/2016.

CPD for Me, for you, make eLearning an efficient and effective way for busy lawyers to obtain their annual compulsory requirements.

For more information visit www.cpdforme.com.au or call 1300 273 463.