What this covers
Why you need it
The power to require it comes from Solicitors (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, Northern Ireland primary legislation made by Order in Council.
What the Order carries
What our graph holds for Solicitors (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 as a whole — the Order behind this licence, not the licence conditions themselves.
- Duties on businesses
- 10
- Penalties
- 1
- Exemptions
- 1
Duties on businesses under the Order
- Pay annual contribution to the Compensation Fund when renewing your practising certificate sch. 2
- Do not falsely claim recognition under Article 26A art.26B
- Deliver an annual accountant's report to the Law Society art.35
- Advise client in writing of representation options in High Court/Court of Appeal art.40A
- File written applications and complaints to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal art.44
- Practise as sole solicitor while barred or restricted art.51
… and 4 more business duties in the same Order.
What happens if you get it wrong
- Practise as sole solicitor while barred or restricted Fine up to £2,500
Exemptions that may take you outside it
- Recognised incorporated law firms exempt from unqualified person restrictions — Your firm is a body corporate recognised under Article 26A; for individual officers/employees, the work must be done under the …
Read our full dossier on Solicitors (Northern Ireland) Order 1976
Who issues it
Your local council issues this. Councils apply the same statute but set their own fees, conditions and timescales.
Where to apply
Duty, penalty and exemption labels are Guvnor’s analysis of the enabling instrument, not the instrument itself. Fees, forms and conditions are set by the issuing authority — always check the linked source.