Introduction

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the foundation of legal practice in Ontario. Mandated by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), it ensures that lawyers maintain and enhance their competence, stay current with legal developments, and uphold the high standards of the profession. However, fulfilling these annual requirements can represent a significant investment of both time and money.

For many lawyers in Ontario, balancing the demands of practice with the need for ongoing education presents a challenge. Finding high-quality, relevant, and affordable CPD courses is crucial.

This article provides a comprehensive guide for lawyers in Ontario seeking cost-effective ways to meet their CPD obligations without compromising on quality, saving valuable time and resources.

Understanding Ontario's CPD Requirements for Lawyers

Before exploring affordable CPD options, it's essential to be clear on the specific requirements set by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). As of 2025, every licensed lawyer in Ontario must complete 12 hours of eligible CPD activities annually.

These hours ensure that legal professionals maintain their competence and stay current with developments in the law, professional responsibility, and practice management. Knowing the structure and expectations of these requirements can help you choose CPD options that are not only cost-effective but also compliant.

For more information about CPD Requirements for Lawyers in Ontario, refer to the article ‘The Complete Guide to CPD Hours for Canadian Lawyers 2025’, or, for Newly Admitted Attorneys, ‘CPD Requirements for Newly Admitted Attorneys in Ontario’ by Legal Education by Learn Formula

Strategies for Finding Affordable CPD Courses for Ontario Lawyers

Fortunately, numerous avenues exist for finding budget-friendly and even free CPD opportunities in Ontario. Here’s where to look:

Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Resources

The LSO itself offers valuable resources, some of which are complimentary or low-cost:

• LSO CPD Store often features webcasts, archived programs, and materials covering essential topics, including accredited Professionalism and EDI content.

• AccessCLE is a database containing program materials (papers, articles, checklists) from LSO CPD programs dating back to 2004. While reading materials alone may not count as interactive CPD hours for all requirements (check LSO eligibility rules for self-study), it's an invaluable resource for substantive learning and research at no cost.

Online CPD Platforms

The digital landscape has revolutionized CPD delivery. Online providers offer convenient and often cost-effective CPD courses:

Legal Education by LearnFormula provides a wide range of on-demand courses and bundles specifically for Canadian legal professionals, including those in Ontario. They often feature content accredited for LSO Professionalism and EDI hours, alongside various substantive topics. 

Recommended CPD Packages for Ontario Lawyers

To help you get started, here are some curated CPD packages from Legal Education by LearnFormula—designed to meet the LSO’s requirements while saving you time and money:

• 2025 Package: Tax Law for Canadian Lawyers
  This bundle is tailored for legal professionals practising or advising on tax matters in Canada. It covers the latest developments, tax litigation essentials, and practical guidance on corporate and personal taxation—ideal for lawyers seeking both substantive law and applied insights.

• CPD Compliance for Ontario Lawyers
  This package is purpose-built for Ontario lawyers needing to satisfy their annual CPD requirements efficiently. It includes accredited courses across all LSO-required categories—Substantive, Professionalism, and EDI—ensuring full compliance in one go.

• Custom CPD Package Builder
  The custom package tool to select only the CPD courses relevant to your practice, interests, or regulatory needs. It’s flexible, budget-friendly, and ensures you're only paying for what you truly need.

Legal Association Memberships

Membership in legal associations often comes with significant CPD discounts or even free programs:

• Ontario Bar Association (OBA) is a major provider of CPD in Ontario. Member discounts and specialized packages can offer substantial savings, often including free Professionalism hours.

• Local associations like the Toronto Lawyers Association (TLA), CCLA, HLA, etc., host regular, often more affordable, CPD events. 

• Organizations like The Advocates' Society, Criminal Lawyers' Association, etc., offer specialized CPD where membership can provide value through targeted content and member rates.

Note: Courses from the Toronto Lawyers Association (TLA) and many other legal associations are also available through Legal Education by LearnFormula, providing centralized, cost-effective access to a range of high-quality content.

Compare membership fees against the potential CPD savings and other benefits.

Employer-Sponsored CPD

If applicable, many law firms and legal departments support CPD by offering in-house training or covering the cost of external courses. It's worth checking whether your organization has a preferred provider or a budget allocated for professional development.

Legal Education by LearnFormula, offers team-based licensing options that allow firms to provide access to a broad range of CPD courses for multiple lawyers under a single plan.

Conclusion

Fulfilling your annual CPD requirements in Ontario doesn't have to impose an excessive financial burden. By strategically leveraging resources from the Law Society of Ontario, exploring reputable online providers like Legal Education by LearnFormula, utilizing legal association benefits, and carefully evaluating course options, lawyers in Ontario can find high-quality, relevant, and affordable CPD courses.

Investing in your continuing professional development is investing in your career, your competence, and the public's trust. By seeking out cost-effective CPD solutions and planning proactively, Ontario lawyers can meet their obligations efficiently, saving valuable time and money while continuing to grow and excel in their practice. 

Remember to always verify LSO accreditation for Professionalism and EDI hours and prioritize content that genuinely enhances your skills and knowledge.