8 reasons independent CPD providers should be on your radar

Choosing an independent CPD (Continuing Professional Development) provider over utilising your association or firm’s learning options can offer several benefits for lawyers, including:

1. Diversity: A huge benefit of choosing an independent CPD provider is that they often offer a diverse range of topics and courses that may not be available through mainstream or in-house training options. Independent providers can specialise in niche areas of mandatory lawyer subjects, or offer courses on emerging topics and trends that are not yet part of the mainstream legal curriculum. This can be especially valuable for lawyers who want to expand their knowledge and skills in areas that are not traditionally covered in their field. By choosing an independent provider, lawyers can explore new areas of law and gain expertise in topics that may become increasingly important in the future. This can help them to stay ahead of the competition and stand out as leaders and innovators in their field.
2. Innovative: Another benefit of choosing an independent CPD provider is that they are not aligned with any particular sponsorship, which means they are free to offer innovative and cutting-edge webinars and courses that are not influenced by any particular company or interest group. This can be a big advantage for lawyers to learn about new developments and emerging trends in their field. By choosing an independent provider, lawyers can be sure they are getting the most up-to-date and unbiased information, without any hidden agendas. This can help them to be better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future, and to stay competitive in their careers.
3. Quality content: In today’s competitive legal landscape, associations and large companies may not always provide access to independent CPD providers who offer high-quality learning content that is tailored to the needs of individual lawyers. This can be a disadvantage for lawyers who want to expand their knowledge and skills in niche areas or emerging topics that are not part of the mainstream legal curriculum.
4. Flexibility: Independent CPD providers often offer more flexible learning options, including tailoring online courses and webinars, which can be more convenient for lawyers who have busy schedules or who work in remote or regional areas.
5. Privacy: Choosing an independent CPD provider can also be a good option for lawyers who want to maintain their privacy when it comes to their learning and development goals. Sometimes, lawyers may want to learn about a specific topic or skill that they don’t want to share with their firm, for whatever reason. By choosing an independent CPD provider, they can pursue their own learning goals without worrying about sharing that information with their employer. This can be particularly important for lawyers who value their privacy or who want to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
6. Cost-effectiveness: Some independent CPD providers offer competitive pricing for their courses and programs, which can be more cost-effective for lawyers than using the firm’s learning options. Typically smaller businesses have lower overhead costs and can pass those savings onto clients in the form of lower prices and offer more personalised tailored services. This can lead to a better customer experience and increased satisfaction.
7. Reputation: When choosing an independent CPD provider, it’s important to look for one that works with leading expert presenters, winning awards and a solid track record with a reputation for best practice. A provider who has been around for 10 years or more is likely to have a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the needs of legal professionals. They will have had time to develop and refine their courses and webinar programs, and to build relationships with other professionals in the field. This can translate into high-quality learning content which is tailored to the specific needs of lawyers, and that provide real value in terms of knowledge, skills, and professional development. By choosing a provider with a proven track record, lawyers can be confident that they are investing in their own learning and development in the most effective way possible.
8. Tailored and direct: Large firms can also benefit from adding independent CPD providers to their learning library mix. By offering a wider range of courses and topics from different providers, firms can give their lawyers more options to choose from and help them to tailor their learning to their specific needs and interests. This can help to boost engagement and motivation among lawyers, as they will have more control over their own learning and development. Additionally, by offering courses from independent providers, firms can ensure that their lawyers are getting access to the most up-to-date and innovative information, which can help to keep the firm competitive and at the forefront of the industry. Finally, adding independent CPD providers to the library mix can help to demonstrate the firm’s commitment to ongoing learning and development, which can be a big selling point for attracting and retaining top talent in the legal profession.

In conclusion, choosing an independent CPD provider can offer many benefits for lawyers who want to stay current, build relationships, and continue growing in their careers. From a wider range of course options and flexible learning formats to networking opportunities and unbiased, cutting-edge information, independent providers can help lawyers achieve their professional goals in a way that is tailored to their specific needs and interests. For firms, adding independent CPD providers to their learning library mix can help to attract and retain top talent, demonstrate their commitment to ongoing learning and development, and ensure that their lawyers are getting access to the most up-to-date and innovative information.

So if you’re a lawyer looking to expand your learning and development options, or a firm looking to offer more comprehensive and effective training which can be tailored, on your learning management system or ours for your legal professionals, consider independent CPD providers such as CPD for Me, exclusive lawyer learning, direct, a multi award winning independent CPD provider celebrating 10 years with March Monday to Friday CPD-LIVE webinars and over 150 hours of the latest on-demand learning courses available on any device with previews, handouts and ability to join experts ongoing Q&A.