Occasionally, a legal practice either fails to, or is unable to protect the interests of its clients. This might happen because of a lawyer’s alleged improper conduct, insolvency, ill health or death.
In such situations, we have the power to take steps to intervene in the operation of the practice to protect client funds and their ongoing legal matters.
If you want to begin your own law practice, you will need to apply for a principal practising certificate. Before we issue a new principal certificate, you must show us you have the skills and experience needed to run a law practice.
When you apply for, or apply to renew your practising certificate, you must pay the appropriate fee for the type of certificate you need. The fees for practising certificates change each year.
You may also need to pay a contribution to the Fidelity Fund, depending on your type of practising certificate.
If you are an Australian-qualified lawyer who wants to practise overseas, or an overseas-qualified lawyer who wants to practise in Australia, there are special rules that apply to you. These rules vary depending on which country you were qualified in and where you’re hoping to practise.
All practising certificates issued in Victoria expire on 30 June each year. You must apply to renew your certificate if you want to continue to practise law after this date. This includes lawyers who received their first practising certificate any time before 30 June. Follow the steps below to ensure you can continue to practise.
Some reasons you may want to surrender your practising certificate include:
There are many reasons why you may need to modify your practising certificate. These include:
‘Show cause events’ involve serious matters that may affect whether you are fit and proper to practise law. They can happen to you in Victoria or in any other Australian jurisdiction.
If you hold a current practising certificate, or a foreign lawyer registration certificate, you must tell us of any show cause events that have occurred to you.
If you are applying for a new practising certificate or registration certificate, you also must tell us of any show cause events that have happened to you at any time before you applied.
