Competence Framework
Final Report of the Competence Task Force
Convocation approved the Final Report of the Competence Task Force on May 26, 2022.
The Competency Framework includes:
- The creation of an online practice essentials course which will be mandatory for lawyers or paralegals within one year of setting up as a sole practitioner for the first time. Notice: At its October 2023 meeting, Convocation extended the Implementation date for the practice essentials course to January 2025 from January 2024. The online practice essentials course will be mandatory for lawyers or paralegals who become sole practitioners in or after January 2025.
- Amending the Rules of Professional Conduct and the Paralegal Professional Conduct Guidelines to adopt the Federation of Law Societies of Canada Model Code of Professional Conduct commentary (Section 3.1-2) regarding technological competence
- The elimination of the six-hour limit on archived or recorded Continuing Professional Development programs that are eligible for credit each year
- The wind-up of the Certified Specialist Program.
Notice: At its November 30, 2023 meeting, Convocation approved several recommendations regarding the Certified Specialist Program (CSP), following its decision to suspend the wind-up of the program.
- 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.
Additional information about the responses and common themes are detailed in the
report.
For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions.
Background
The Competence Task Force was established to ensure that the Law Society’s competence framework remains effective, proportionate, and balanced while addressing career-long competence in a manner that protects the public interest and is responsive to the public’s legal needs now and in the years to come. The Task Force held a consultation, reviewed existing programs and recommended new initiatives that will help to fill perceived gaps, ensuring competence of paralegals and lawyers and elevating the legal profession.
Reports and Submissions