If you intend to engage in legal practice in an Australian jurisdiction other than the Australian Capital Territory, you can apply to the Law Society for a ‘Certificate of Fitness’.
A Certificate of Fitness (also known as a Certificate of Good Standing or an Evidentiary Certificate) may also be required when relocating to an overseas jurisdiction, or for other reasons.
What is a Certificate of Fitness?
When you move jurisdictions, your new jurisdiction will require a Certificate of Fitness from your previous jurisdiction as part of your application for a Practising Certificate.
The ACT Law Society can prepare a Certificate of Fitness for lawyers who have either been admitted to practise in the ACT, or who have held a practising certificate in ACT.
The certificate states:
- The date you were admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the ACT
- Whether or not you have ever held a practising certificate
- The nature of your current practising certificate in the ACT
- Whether or not you are a member of the Society
- Whether or not you have ever been struck from the Roll in the ACT
- Whether or not you have had any disciplinary action taken against you, or if any complaints or proceedings against you are currently pending.
How long is a Certificate of Fitness valid?
The validity of a Certificate may depend on the requirements of the jurisdiction requesting the provision of a Certificate. Generally, a Certificate of Fitness is valid for 28 days.
You should check the requirements of the jurisdiction you are moving to before you submit your application and ensure that you time your application to suit those requirements (having regard to our processing times). An administrative fee may be incurred where a replacement certificate is requested.
How do I request a Certificate of Fitness?
It may take up to 15 business days to process a request for a certificate. Requesting a Certificate is free for current members. Non-members will incur a fee.
I am a current member of the ACT Law Society: To request a Certificate of Fitness, please log in. While on your Dashboard, in the left-hand menu you’ll see a link for “Certificate of Fitness” under “Submit forms to the Society”.
I have previously been a member of the ACT Law Society: To request a Certificate of Fitness, please log in. You may need to reset your password (click the 'forgotten password' link). While on your Dashboard, in the left-hand menu you’ll see a link for “Certificate of Fitness” under “Submit forms to the Society”.
I have never been a member of the ACT Law Society: Non-members should click the relevant buttons below. Note: If you have had prior contact with the Society, you may already have a login. If you already have a login, even though you may not have held membership, please follow the instructions provided above for those who have previously been a member. If you are unsure, please contact the Society before submitting a request below.
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For more information, contact the Law Society on 6274 0300 or email mail@actlawsociety.asn.au.