Being a successful, respected lawyer means having more than extensive technical knowledge. It demands a thorough grasp of ethical practices, client management strategies – and nuanced legal concepts.
And as the legal landscape continues to evolve, focused and dynamic CPD becomes critical.
To prepare you for what’s next, let’s unpack the College of Law’s 5 most popular on-demand CPD Digital Subscription courses. It’s the best way to keep your skills sharp – and your mind engaged.
But first, why on-demand, digital CPD?
If you hold a practising certificate, meeting your annual CPD requirements is non-negotiable.
But more than that, given today’s ever-changing legal sector, no lawyer can afford to let their learning lag.
Thankfully, with the College of Law’s CPD Digital Subscription, your professional growth is just a click away. Night or day. In the office or on the train.
With 120+ short on-demand courses to cherry-pick from, you can fill your knowledge gaps, discover new perspectives and approaches – and meet your mandatory CPD requirements.
Popular CPD course No.5: Small firms - business planning, marketing and client development
Running a small practice gives you freedom to build close client ties and shape work that reflects your values. But without a clear plan, that freedom can turn into pressure fast.
In this course, consultant Sue-ella Prodonovich steps through the basics of smart business planning and practical client development for small firms.
You will cover three key practitioner assets, a simple planning framework, strategy choices, the four pillars of growth and more.
It is a useful guide for lawyers who want to grow their practice with focus and confidence.
Popular CPD course no. 4: Cybersecurity 101 for lawyers
Cybersecurity is now a core part of legal work. With client data at risk, every lawyer needs a working understanding of how breaches happen and what good protection looks like.
This course walks you through the main cyber threats facing firms today and what it means to practise safely online.
You will look at who targets firms, how attacks unfold, the legal consequences of a breach and the regulatory duties that apply. You also learn practical steps to protect your systems and the guidance you should give clients.
It is important knowledge for any lawyer who wants to safeguard information and protect their practice.
Popular CPD course no. 3: Trauma-informed practice
Clients show distress in many ways. A lawyer who notices these cues can make the experience safer and more productive for everyone involved. This is not extra knowledge. It is part of practising well.
In this 68 minute session, Judge Robert Benjamin and Michelle Benjamin explain how trauma shows up in legal settings and how lawyers can respond with care and clarity.
You will explore the links between child sexual abuse and family violence, types of trauma, windows of tolerance, stress responses and simple tools such as brain breaks that help clients stay regulated.
It is a strong foundation for lawyers who want to work with awareness and humanity.
Popular CPD course no.2: Working on the go? Ethical challenges and dilemmas
Modern practice is mobile. Emails in a café. Calls between court. Drafting on a train. But mobility can blur ethical lines and expose risks that lawyers often miss.
In this course, Cathryn Urquhart covers the ethical issues that arise when you work outside a traditional office.
You will look at mobile communication risks, confidentiality concerns, supervision obligations and how to maintain standards in flexible settings.
It is practical guidance for lawyers who want to work on the move without lowering their professional guard.
Popular CPD course no. 1: Mediation: effective intake... better mediation
Effective intake sets the tone for mediation. It builds trust, sets expectations and helps the mediator understand risks and dynamics before anyone sits down together.
This course explains why intake matters and how to do it well.
You will cover the purpose of intake, confidentiality, key stages, different intake methods and how to analyse conflict. The session also looks at conflict styles and why they are relevant to early conversations.
It is a clear, practical skillset for mediators who want to walk into a session with insight, confidence and a steady base for productive dialogue.
Keen to keep your legal nous a step ahead – on a timeline that suits you? Choose from 120+ courses in our Digital Subscription.
Related articles:
