The future of the Certified Specialist Program

On November 30, 2023, Convocation approved several recommendations regarding the Certified Specialist Program (CSP) as presented in this report.

• The Law Society will continue to administer the CSP.
• Commencing January 1, 2025, Certified Specialists will be required to complete 10 hours of Continuing Professional Development, in their area of speciality every year, in addition to the 12 hours of CPD required by all licensees providing legal services on an annual basis.
• The Law Society will explore opportunities for the enhancement of the CSP including the re-certification process and the expansion of the CSP to paralegals and report back to Convocation on their viability.

Additionally, the Law Society will review public-facing information about the program in order to better inform Ontarians about Certified Specialists.

These recommendations address the robust feedback from the professions in response to the CSP consultation earlier this year. Close to 85 per cent of respondents were in favour of continuing the program. Additional information about the responses and common themes are detailed in the report.

Learn more about the Certified Specialist Program.
Visit the Directory of Certified Specialists.