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As the CPD Scheme is an ongoing requirement for those practitioners coming within it, the system of exemptions that applied under the CLE Scheme (which had application to a limited category of practitioners and for only a limited period) has no relevance under the CPD Scheme.
The granting of exemptions from the operation of the CPD Scheme will be considered on a case-by-case basis only where exceptional circumstances exist. An exemption may be granted where it is fair and reasonable to do so.
Since 1 January 2003, the following exemption policy has been in force:
Upon an application being made to the Society, an exemption from compliance with the annual CPD requirement may be provided to a solicitor who meets all of the following criteria:
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(a)
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he has been in practice as a solicitor for a period of 40 years or more, or he is over 70 years old;
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(b)
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he gives an undertaking to the Society that he is not in active practice; and
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(c)
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he undertakes to notify the Society immediately if circumstances in relation to paragraph (b) change.
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For the purposes of this policy only, a solicitor will not be regarded as being in "active practice" if the only activities that he engages in as a solicitor are:
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(1)
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administering oaths; and/or
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(2)
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taking affidavits or declarations; and/or
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(3)
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certifying documents.
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Applications should be directed to the Assistant Director, Professional Development.
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