CLE is mandatory for all lawyers - Barristers and Solicitors - and is commonly referred to as CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

Barristers
CPD compliance is an obligation under the Code of Conduct (para. 202(b)).

For newly qualified practitioners (first 3 years of practice): 45 credits per year, including at least 9 credits of Advocacy Training and 3 credits of Ethics (the “New Practitioners’ Programme”).

For all barristers: 12 credits per year (the “Established Practitioners’ Programme”). 90 credits in a 3-year period.

Solicitors

All solicitors and registered European lawyers who are in legal practice or employment in England & Wales, and work 32 hours or more per week, are required to complete a minimum of 16 credits per year and register their CPD with the Law Society of England & Wales.