Join the Law Society

Join the Society and/or apply for a Practising Certificate

The Society offers several types of membership. Persons who have been admitted to practise in an Australian jurisdiction may apply for a practising membership, while those not practising in law may be eligible to apply for a full (non-practising) or associate membership. Associate members include legal practice support staff, people with a qualification in law but who have not been admitted, and students currently studying legal units. Membership is subject to approval of the Council and it is expected that applicants for non-practising membership have a relevant connection with the Society and it’s objects, and with the legal profession in the ACT to support the application.

Joining the Law Society enables you to access a range of services including:

  • Our weekly email update containing news specific to the ACT legal profession.
  • Our quarterly magazine Ethos, containing articles on a range of topical legal issues, case notes, social photos, and more.
  • Access to a range of social, sporting, and other networking events.
  • Discounted professional development courses on a range of topics.
  • Specialised events and resources in areas like property law, family law, and international law, as well as for lawyers working in government, or in their first five years of practise.
  • Confidential advice on business, ethical, and professional issues.
  • A system of advisors to offer guidance, advice, and support.
  • Confidential third-party counselling available over the phone, in person, or online.
  • Free hire of meeting rooms, mediation spaces, and training facilities.
  • Solicitor ID cards to identify yourself to the Courts.
  • The opportunity to contribute to the Society and the ACT community by joining a policy advisory committee.
  • The opportunity to be nominated for our annual ACT Law Awards.

For urgent membership and practising certificate enquiries contact the Society's Executive Secretary on 02 6274 0300.

 

For any general membership enquiries, please contact memberassist@actlawsociety.asn.au.

 

If you wish to join the Society click here. You will have an expiry date of 30 June 2024.

If you have previously held a membership with the Society, you should not submit a new join. Please contact memberassist@actlawsociety.asn.au if you are unsure of your previous member record or login details.

If you don't wish to join the Society, but would like to receive fortnightly emails about upcoming events and professional development courses, please send us an email.

Joining the Society: Fees 2023-24

Private lawyer

  • ACT Unrestricted Practising Certificate (Private) = $1,429
  • ACT Restricted Practising Certificate (Private) = $880

In-house lawyer

  • ACT Unrestricted Practising Certificate (In-house) = $1,229
  • ACT Restricted Practising Certificate (In-house) = $880

Government lawyer

  • ACT Unrestricted Practising Certificate (Government) = $874
  • ACT Restricted Practising Certificate (Government) = $609

Not practising in the ACT

  • ACT Unrestricted Practising Certificate (Non-ACT) = $927
  • ACT Restricted Practising Certificate (Non-ACT) = $491

Please note that fees apply from 1 July to 30 June and are pro-rated from August onwards.

Note: The eligibility criteria for applying for a First ACT Unrestricted Practising Certificate is set out in Regulation 10 of the Legal Profession Regulation 2007. You are required to attach a statutory declaration to your application addressing the eligibility criteria.

  • ACT Unrestricted Practising Certificate (Volunteer) = free
  • ACT Restricted Practising Certificate (Volunteer) = free

Please note that fees apply from 1 July to 30 June and are pro-rated from August onwards.

Note: Holders of volunteer practising certificates must still arrange appropriate professional indemnity insurance, and they may only undertake work of a pro bono nature. 

  • No PC member (Full) = $156.50
  • No PC member (Associate) = $156.50
  • No PC member (Associate Student) = $25*

Please note that fees apply from 1 July to 30 June and are pro-rated half-yearly. Student memberships are not pro-rated.

Note: Full members have the right to vote in Law Society elections, and may serve on Committees, Executive or Council. Associate members may serve on Law Society Committees, but may not vote in elections, or serve on Executive or Council.

 

 

Related Links

You might be interested in these Articles