Last minute paralegal cpd

If you’re reading this in the fall and realize you still have CPD hours to complete, don’t worry — there’s still time. Ontario paralegals must complete 12 CPD hours by December 31, but with the right strategy and a few targeted courses, you can catch up quickly and stay compliant with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO).

👉 Get started now: Explore our Ontario Paralegal CPD Courses

CPD Requirements Refresher

To stay in good standing with the LSO, paralegals must complete:

  • 12 total CPD hours each year
  • 3 Professionalism hours (must be accredited)
  • Within those, 1 hour must be EDI
  • Up to 9 Substantive hours (no accreditation required)
    All hours must be completed by December 31 and reported by March 31 of the following year through the Law Society Portal.

Why Many Paralegals Fall Behind

You’re not alone — many paralegals find themselves short on hours by the end of the year. It’s easy to fall behind when:

  • You’re focused on client work and forget to schedule CPD time
  • You’re not sure which courses count toward which category
  • Live webinars fill up quickly or don’t align with your schedule
  • You underestimate how fast December arrives
    Fortunately, LPEN’s flexible on-demand and hybrid courses make it easy to finish on time.

How to Catch Up Quickly

Choose On-Demand Courses
Our on-demand programs let you complete your CPD hours at your own pace — perfect if your schedule is already packed.
Pick Courses That Cover Multiple Credits
Many of our webinars include both Professionalism and EDI credit in one session, helping you satisfy multiple requirements with one course.
Use the CPD Catalog Strategically
Check which hours you still need and choose courses that fill those specific gaps. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can catch up with the right mix.

Example 2025 Courses to Help You Finish Strong

Implicit Bias Plus
This course addresses bias and inclusion in the legal profession, making it perfect for your EDI requirement. It explores unconscious bias, systemic barriers, and strategies for building inclusive practices. Contains 1 hour EDI.
Small Claims Court: Drafting Pleadings 2025
A 5-hour program designed to help you strengthen your drafting and procedural skills. Perfect for paralegals who want practical, hands-on learning. Contains 30 minutes of Professionalism.
Provincial Offences: Key Insights 2025
Dive into the key principles and updates in Ontario’s Provincial Offences Act. This course provides valuable Substantive hours for anyone practicing in regulatory or tribunal settings.
HR in LTB (Human Rights in the Landlord and Tenant Board)
An engaging course that examines the intersection of housing law and human rights, offering a balance of Substantive, Professionalism, and EDI content for well-rounded learning.
Summary Conviction Matters 2025
This course provides a deep look at summary conviction processes, case strategy, and advocacy. It’s ideal for paralegals seeking Substantive hours in criminal or quasi-criminal law as well as 1 hour of Professionalism.
All of these programs are online, flexible, and accredited — so you can confidently complete your hours before the deadline.

How to Avoid the Year-End Rush Next Time

  • Track your hours regularly using the LSO Portal
  • Aim to complete a few hours each quarter instead of all at once
  • Subscribe to LPEN updates for new course announcements
  • Consider a Paralegal CPD Pass for access to courses covering LSO requirements

Deadline Reminder

Complete your CPD hours by: December 31, 2025
Report them by: March 31, 2026
Missing your hours can result in an administrative suspension — don’t let that happen. Register today and complete your Substantive, Professionalism, and EDI credits with LPEN.

Final Thoughts

Even if you’ve left your CPD to the last minute, you still have options. LPEN’s accredited online courses make it easy to complete your Substantive, Professionalism, and EDI hours quickly and confidently. Whether you need one final EDI credit or several Substantive hours, our 2025 catalog has everything you need.
Finish your CPD on time — and start the new year compliant and stress-free.
👉 Explore All Ontario Paralegal CPD Courses

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