Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Solicitors) Rules 2015
16Exemptions
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16 Exemptions
16 Exemptions
16.1 On application by a solicitor, the designated local regulatory authority may exempt the solicitor in whole or in part from any requirement to undertake CPD activities imposed by these Rules.
16.2 An application for exemption must be in writing.
16.3 Without limiting the grounds on which the designated local regulatory authority may grant an exemption, an exemption may be granted in whole or in part on the following grounds:
16.3.1 illness or disability,
16.3.2 the location of the solicitor’s legal practice,
16.3.3 the absence of the solicitor from legal practice for example due to parenting leave or unemployment,
16.3.4 the solicitor has reduced hours of practice owing to part time or casual employment,
16.3.5 the solicitor’s circumstances are such that the solicitor is required to hold a practising certificate but is not engaged in legal practice,
16.3.6 the solicitor has been in practice for a period exceeding 40 years and does not practise as a principal,
16.3.7 hardship or other special circumstances.
16.4 Exemptions relating to rule 16.3.3, 16.3.4 and 16.3.5 will generally be granted on a pro rata basis.
16.5 The designated local regulatory authority may impose any conditions it thinks appropriate on an exemption under this rule.
16.6 A solicitor must comply with any conditions imposed on an exemption under this rule.