Today is the deadline for 2021 practising certificate renewal, including applications for both solicitors in full-time service of the State, and those seeking qualifying certificates.

Both online forms and payment must be made by close of business today.

Renewal online

In response to virus restrictions and in order to secure an efficient and timely renewal, all applications for the practising certificate renewal period must be made online. 

This includes applications for practising certificates, qualifying certificates, memberships, service of State, life cover, certificates of good standing and the new certificate of attestation for solicitors based outside the jurisdiction.

To renew, you must log on to the Law Society website with your solicitor number and password to open your pre-populated 2021 application form and submit with payment. Payments can be made through electronic bank transfer, or by credit / debit card.

Access the PC renewal area

Please note that bank transfers must be received by the Society, not just issued from your bank account, on or before the deadline.

The Law Society has no legal power to extend the 1 February deadline under any circumstances.

Backdating

Solicitors with practising certificates dated after 1 February 2021 who have provided legal services in January 2021, or acted as a principal of a firm, are required to make an application to the President of the High Court to have their practising certificates backdated to 1 January 2021, as it is professional misconduct and a criminal offence for a solicitor to provide legal services without a valid practising certificate in place.

Further information on backdating practising certificates can be obtained from the Practice Regulation Section of the Society by emailing pc@lawsociety.ie.

Exemptions 

If you have not completed your application as you are not acting as a solicitor in 2021, or will only commence acting as a solicitor later in the year, or if you are employed in a non-solicitor role that does not involve provision of legal services, please notify the Society at pc@lawsociety.ie before the deadline.