Renewing Practising Certificate FAQs
FAQ Main Index
Is a Practising Certificate Required? – Statutory Liability (pdf document)
Who has to pay to the Guarantee Fund?
Is Guarantee Fund pro rata?
Do I require a new application form if my details have changed?
What are my choices if I decide not to renew my Practising Certificate?
Why are my fees for a Practising Certificate not still at half rate?
What are my payment options?
If I have not held a Practising Certificate for some time, what are the implications?
What is a Section 15?
What happens if I don’t comply with a Section 15?
If l move firms in October/November what do I have to do to renew my Practising Certificate?
If I have not completed all my hours for CPD is a Practising Certificate withheld?
What is an ARTL Practice Manager or ARTL Local Registration Authority?
Who has to pay to the Guarantee Fund?
Only principals pay to the Guarantee Fund, however some solicitors who are principals out with Scotland may or may not require to pay this fee.
Is Guarantee Fund pro rata?
Sorry, Guarantee Fund is not pro rata, full payment is due regardless of month assumed as partner
Do I require a new application form if my details have changed?
No, please just amend form to show new employers name and address.
What are my choices if I decide not to renew my Practising Certificate?
There are two membership fees which only maintain your name on the Roll of Solicitors, Retention and Non Practising Membership, both simply retain your name on the roll, however NPM (which is more expensive) entitles you to a journal each month and all other correspondence issued by the Society.,
Why are my fees for a Practising Certificate not still at half rate?
Solicitors who have been admitted to the Roll of Solicitors, whether they take a practising certificate out or not have the first three years of membership at a half rate. This is practice years and not calendar years.
What are my payment options?
Payment may be made by cheque made out to "Law Society of Scotland" or via BACS payment by contacting the Society's Records Department on 0131 226 7411. Regrettably the Society is not in a position to accept Debit or Credit Card payments.
If I have not held a Practising Certificate for some time, what are the implications?
Any solicitor not having held a certificate for more than twelve months may have a restriction imposed, as their application form will have to go to the Practising Certificate Committee for consideration. In this case a restriction may last anything from 12months to 24months.
What is a Section 15?
Section 15 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act, 1980 (which relate to a discretion to the Registrar in special cases to refuse a Practising Certificate or to issue a Certificate subject to conditions).
What happens if I don’t comply with a Section 15?
If a solicitor does not comply by giving six weeks notice of his/her intention to apply for a practising certificate he/she may end up not being covered to practise as a solicitor.
If l move firms in October/November what do I have to do to renew my Practising Certificate?
If leaving one firm and starting with a new firm within October/November please make sure you get your application form from your former firm and take it with you to your new firm and amend the application form accordingly. If however you start with your new firm during the month of November you should pass your application to your new firms as soon as possible, so that they can send your form in to ensure you are covered for the month of November.
If I have not completed all my hours for CPD is a practising certificate withheld?
No, a practising certificate is not withheld if you do not complete your CPD by the 30th November, however if you know you are going to be short of hours you should write or email George Samson, Director, Central Services (Administration),
What is an ARTL Practice Manager or ARTL Local Registration Authority?
These two titles relate to the ARTL (Automated Registration of Title to Land) system.Each firm operating ARTL will have to appoint one or several people to these positions. Due to the delay in the launch of ARTL very few firms will have such persons appointed as at renewal on 1st November 2007. If you are unsure as to the position do not tick either of these boxes.
Practising Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
