As 2026 comes to an end, Ontario paralegals are approaching an important deadline: December 31, 2026, is the last day to complete your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

Whether you’ve already completed most of your hours or still have several to go, understanding the Law Society of Ontario’s (LSO) requirements can help you finish the year on track.

Here’s what Ontario paralegals need to know about their 2026 CPD requirements, deadlines, and options for completing their hours online.

How Many CPD Hours Do Ontario Paralegals Need in 2026?

According to the Law Society of Ontario’s Continuing Professional Development requirements, licensed Ontario paralegals who are subject to the annual CPD requirement must complete 12 hours of continuing professional development each calendar year.

These hours must include:

• 12 total CPD hours completed during 2026.
• 3 Professionalism hours, which must be accredited by the Law Society of Ontario.
• 1 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) hour, included within the 3 required Professionalism hours.
• At least 9 additional hours, which may be Substantive hours or additional eligible Professionalism hours.

It’s important to remember that the EDI requirement is part of your Professionalism hours, not an additional hour.

What Is the Ontario Paralegal CPD Deadline for 2026?

All required CPD hours must be completed by December 31, 2026.

However, the deadline for reporting those hours to the Law Society of Ontario is different.

There are two important dates to remember:

• December 31, 2026: Deadline to complete your 2026 CPD hours.
• March 31, 2027: Deadline to report your completed 2026 CPD hours to the LSO through LSO Connects.

Completing your hours and reporting them are separate obligations. Paralegals should ensure they have finished their required learning activities before the end of December, even though they have until March to report them.

What Counts as Professionalism and EDI CPD Hours?

Professionalism hours focus on the ethical, professional responsibility, and practice management aspects of legal practice.

Examples of eligible topics include professional conduct, client communication, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and practice management.

Ontario paralegals must complete at least 3 LSO-accredited Professionalism hours annually, including at least 1 hour specifically accredited for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

Because these categories require accreditation, it’s important to confirm that a course qualifies before registering.

LPEN clearly identifies the Professionalism and EDI accreditation associated with its Ontario paralegal CPD courses, helping participants select programs that meet their outstanding requirements.

Can Ontario Paralegals Complete Their CPD Hours Online?

Yes! Ontario paralegals can complete their CPD requirements through eligible online courses, including recorded programs.

This is particularly helpful toward the end of the year, when finding time to attend live sessions can be challenging.

Recorded CPD courses offer several advantages:

• Complete your learning at a time that works for you.
• Access courses from home or your office.
• Choose programs that address your remaining Substantive, Professionalism, or EDI hours.
• Obtain certificates of completion for your records.

LPEN offers a selection of online Ontario paralegal CPD courses, including recordings of previously delivered programs, allowing paralegals to complete their remaining hours on their own schedule.

Still Need CPD Hours Before December 31, 2026?

If you haven’t completed your 2026 CPD requirements, there is still time.

Start by reviewing the hours you’ve already completed and identifying what remains outstanding.

You may need additional Substantive hours, accredited Professionalism hours, or the required EDI hour.

LPEN offers individual paralegal CPD courses as well as an Ontario Paralegal Pass, providing a convenient way to complete multiple CPD requirements.

With online access and recorded courses available, you can complete eligible programs at your own pace before the December 31 deadline.

Complete Your 2026 Ontario Paralegal CPD with LPEN

LPEN provides practical continuing professional development courses designed for Ontario paralegals, taught by experienced legal professionals.

Whether you need a single Professionalism or EDI hour or are looking to complete your remaining annual CPD requirements, LPEN offers flexible online learning options to help you finish the year.

Don’t leave your CPD requirements until the last minute.

Explore LPEN’s Ontario Paralegal CPD Courses and complete your remaining 2026 hours before December 31.