Practising Certificate 

To commence practising on your own behalf you must hold a current practising certificate. To apply for a practising certificate, and for more information on the application process, see Practising Certificate.  

Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover & Commencement in Practice forms 

As a new firm, you are also required to obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) cover from a qualified insurer. For lists of insurers and brokers, along with other information and PII updates, see Insurance (PII).  

When you open a practice, please ensure your insurer or broker completes and submits the Confirmation of cover form. Once done, it is necessary to complete and return to the Law Society a copy of the Commencement in Practice form. 

Resources 

A range of resources are available to assist you with every step of opening a practice. This section provides helpful explainer information on the following areas: 

• Opening a Practice (regulatory information) 
• Practising Certificate 
• Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) renewal 

Guides and information leaflets 

• Guidance & Ethics Committee leaflet: Information for Solicitors Setting Up in Practice 
• Guidance & Ethics Committee information on setting up 
• Practice Support leaflet: Setting Up in Practice 

Information sessions 

• Watch applying for a Practising Certificate with Simon Treanor 
• Download slides: applying for a Practising Certificate with Simon Treanor 
• Watch Introduction to 4th Edition of the Solicitors Guide to Professional Conduct- 
• Download slides: Introduction to 4th Edition of the Solicitors Guide to Professional Conduct 
• Watch Shared Learning: Conversation with Conor McLaughlin on Growing a Practice 
• Watch New ways of Working - Opportunities to work as a Consultant by Gibson and Associates 

Contact us

Setting up in Practice advisory service 

A service has been developed aimed at new solicitors’ firms. This service is subsidised by the Law Society, with the cost to a member being €150. Upon receipt of a completed Commencement in Practice Form, the Law Society writes directly to new firms to inform them about this service and how they can avail of it. 

For more inforamtion, please

• Call: 01 879 8700 

• Email: firms@lawsociety.ie