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 Society: Fees 2024-25
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ACT Practising Certificate fees
Private lawyer
- ACT Unrestricted Practising Certificate (Private) = $1,484
- ACT Restricted Practising Certificate (Private) = $913
In-house lawyer
- ACT Unrestricted Practising Certificate (In-house) = $1,276
- ACT Restricted Practising Certificate (In-house) = $913
Government lawyer
- ACT Unrestricted Practising Certificate (Government) = $909
- ACT Restricted Practising Certificate (Government) = $633
Not practising in the ACT
- ACT Unrestricted Practising Certificate (Non-ACT) = $964
- ACT Restricted Practising Certificate (Non-ACT) = $511
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.
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Volunteer lawyers (only undertaking pro bono work)
- 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.
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Members not practising in law (including students)
- No PC member (Full) = $163
- No PC member (Associate) = $163
- 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.
If you have previously held a membership with the Society, you should not submit the above form. Instead, please login (using the button 'Login/Register' in the top right hand corner of the website) and select 'renew your membership now'.
If you are unsure about your past membership details or have any general membership enquiries, please contact memberconnect@actlawsociety.asn.au or call 02 6274 0333