New Zealand Law Society - Practising certificates

Practising certificates

A practising certificate certifies that the holder is a fit and proper person to practice law and allows them to describe themselves as 'a lawyer'. It is an offence for someone without a current practising certificate to describe themselves as a lawyer.

Eligibility

You are eligible to hold a practising certificate if:

  • your name is on the roll of barristers and solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand
  • you are a fit and proper person to hold a practising certificate (refer ss41(2)(a) and 55 LCA)
  • you have paid the required fees
  • you do not hold or have applied to hold, a practising certificate as a conveyancing practitioner
  • you do not hold or have applied to hold, a license as an immigration advisor
  • you do not hold or have applied to hold, a licence as a real estate agent
  • you meet the criteria for eligibility as set out in Regulation 4 of the LCA (Lawyers: Practice Rules) Regulations 2008.

You should ensure you are aware of the rules governing your particular mode of practice.

In May each year the Law Society will contact you regarding renewing your practising certificate (whether you are in New Zealand or overseas) if it holds a current email address for you.

You can then renew your practising certificate by completing the fit and proper declaration online using your user ID and password and by paying the fee.

Any queries about the register and the renewal process should be directed to the Law Society Registry.

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