Practising Certificate Issues

In order for any one to be able to practice as a solicitor, or to be held out as a solicitor, in England & Wales then he or she must be admitted as a solicitor, be on the roll of solicitors and, except in very limited circumstances, hold a current practising certificate issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Often solicitors and trainee solicitors find that they are experiencing problems in connection with that a practising certificate. The nature of those problems will vary but may include issues involving:

• applying for a certificate;
• conditions being placed upon the the certificate, restricting the solicitor’s freedom to practise;
• needing to know whether a practising certificate is necessary;
• practising unlawfully without a certificate; or
• having a practising certificate suspended.

Whatever the problem, the Lawyers Defence Group can assist you.

We have substantial experience of assisting with a wide range of practising certificate related problems including:

• defending proceedings for practising uncertificated;
• assisting applicants to apply for a practising certificate when they have issues of suitability – for example a conviction;
• assisting lawyers in ascertaining whether the type of work they are involved in requires a practising certificate; and
• helping solicitors avoid, or mitigate the effects of, a suspension.

Contact Us

For more information, contact the Lawyers Defence Group by:

• telephoning during office hours – 0333 888 4070,
• requesting a call-back using the call-back request form to the right,
• telephoning our out of hours number (but please only in an emergency – for example when someone has been arrested or you believe that your firm might be about to be intervened in) 07952 861 868,
• emailing us at help@lawyersdefencegroup.org.uk, or
• writing to us at one of the addresses at the bottom of this web page.