CLC Lawyers seeking to reapply following an expired licence

After a licence has expired (for any period) it is not automatically re-instated. You will need to demonstrate that you continue to meet the CLC’s licensing and professional standards. If you are also regulated by another regulator, such as the SRA or CILEx, we will carry out disciplinary checks with this licensing body. The CLC may seek to obtain references from past or most recent employers. You should contact the licensing team licensing@clc-uk.org to make the request and ensure we hold accurate up to date personal information about you.

Application Fees:

£150.00. Licence holders returning after a period of less than 2 years due to parental leave are not required to pay this fee.

Screening Checks:

Applicants are required to pay for and complete the CLC’s standard screening checks as part of their application to have their licence re-issued. The CLC instructs a screening agency to carry out these checks. In cases where adverse results are returned, we will ask applicants to provide a copy of the DBS certificate. Licence holders returning after a period of less than 2 years due to parental leave are not required to complete screening checks.

Q1. My licence expired in the last two years due to parental leave (maternity/paternity/adoption leave), can I automatically reapply for my licence?

Yes, but before contacting us to reapply for your licence you should complete the standard annual CPD requirement to hold a CLC licence. This will evidence that you have maintained your legal knowledge. More information on the various learning activities that could count towards CPD hours can be found HERE.

You will also need to provide:

• Verification from your employer of relevant employment, dates to and from on parental leave, and confirmation that you have not held yourself out as holding a current and valid CLC licence.
• Copies of the training certificates, demonstrating that you have maintained your annual Ongoing Competency requirements for the licence type you intend to hold.
• A Current CV
• A Copy of your most recent licence
• Complete the annual licence declaration

Q2. My licence expired in the last two years due to taking a planned career break, or working outside of a fee earning role, can I automatically reapply for my licence?

First, before contacting us to reapply for your licence you should complete the standard annual CPD requirement to hold a CLC licence. This will evidence that you have maintained your legal knowledge. More information on the various learning activities that could count towards CPD hours can be found HERE.

You will also need to provide:

• Verification from your employer that you have not held yourself out as holding a current and valid CLC licence to practice.
• Copies of the training (CPD) certificates, demonstrating that you have maintained your annual Ongoing Competency requirements for the licence type you intend to hold.
• A Current CV
• A Copy of your most recent Licence
• Complete Screening Checks

Q3. My licence expired more than two but less than six years ago, what are the pre-application requirements that apply to me?

You will need to demonstrate that your legal knowledge is up to date by passing one of the following units on the SQA qualifications framework:

• Conveyancing Licence: SQA Level 6 Diploma Unit: Conveyancing Law and Practice
• Probate Licence: SQA Level 6 Diploma Unit: The Administration of Estates

Please provide a ‘Candidate Unit Summary’ page as evidence, and ensure this is certified using the guidance outlined here.

You also need to provide:

• Verification from your employer that you have not held yourself out as holding a current and valid CLC licence to practise.
• A current CV
• A copy of your most recent licence
• Complete Screening Checks

Q4. My licence expired more than six years ago. What are the pre-application requirements that apply to me?

You will need to demonstrate your legal knowledge by passing one of the SQA Diplomas:

• Conveyancing Licence: SQA Level 6 Diploma Unit: Conveyancing Law and Practice
• Probate Licence: SQA Level 6 Diploma Unit: The Administration of Estates

Please provide a ‘Candidate Unit Summary’ page as evidence, and ensure this is certified using the guidance outlined here.

You will also need to provide:

• A current CV
• a copy of your most recent licence
• 1200 hours supervised occupational experience. You can evidence this by completing a CLC Statement of Practice Experience in Conveyancing and/or Probate.
• Complete Screening Checks

Q5. Previously I was a Director, Member, or Partner in a CLC regulated Practice and listed on the CLC’s Public Register as a Registered Manager. What licence should I apply for?

The CLC issues three types of licence, a) Conveyancing Licences, b) Probate Licences and c) Dual Conveyancing and Probate Licences. You should apply for which ever licence you last held. The CLC considers separately notifications from individuals that have been appointed as Directors, Members or Partners of a CLC regulated practices to be listed on its Public Register.

Reapplying following an Expired CLC Licence applications can be considered complex. Therefore, the standard application timescale may not apply. We will of course endeavour to process applications as swiftly as possible and tell you if the standard turnaround times are not likely to be possible. Please note in complex cases with adverse findings the CLC reserves the right to charge £80.00 per hour up to 14 hours.

Universal Guidance for individuals applying of a Licence or Authorisation