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Criminal Litigation

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    Update

    Due to the current political turbulence within the area of criminal law, we urge the profession to provide us with their views in response to the consultation paper issued by the Society regarding the recent plans to change tendering for criminal legal aid.

    Read the Law Society's response to the proposed changes in criminal legal aid tendering

    As a result of this turbulence, we have decided to that members of the Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme who have held membership for over five years and are due to re-accredit their membership will have their membership further extended until 31st December 2014.

    Members do not need to take any action in respect of their extension as membership records will be updated accordingly.

    Please contact the Accreditation Unit if you are a member and no longer wish to maintain your membership of the scheme.

    What is the Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme?

    The Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme covers all types of criminal law work.

    Members will have shown, to the satisfaction of the Law Society and through external examination, that they have and will maintain a high level of knowledge, skills, experience and practice in the area of criminal litigation.

    The Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme is designed to enable solicitors, barristers and fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives (FILEX) to qualify to apply for inclusion on local duty solicitor rotas under the Legal Services Commission's Criminal Defence Service Duty Solicitor Arrangements 2001.

    Further details can be found in our Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme Guidance (PDF 184kb).

    Who's a member?

    To view all current members of our Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme download a list of members (PDF 4.8mb). This list is updated every month.

    How do I apply?

    The general scheme application criteria and guidance (PDF 125kb) is applicable to all Law Society accreditation schemes and should be read before starting the application process.

    In order to complete the application process for the Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme, please follow the steps below:

    1. Read the Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme Guidance(PDF 184kb)
    2. Read our guidance on the two examinations, the assessment organisations and their role:
    3. Download and complete the following forms:
    4. Check the Law Society Accreditation Scheme fee schedule (PDF 71kb) for fee information.
    5. Print, sign and post forms with the appropriate fee to the address below.

    Duty Rota

    To ensure you are able to apply to the Legal Aid Agency for the next rota on 14 June 2013 (the CDS12 needs to be submitted by 14 May 2013) we urge all applicants to submit applications to the department ideally no later than 10th May 2013.

    Send completed forms:

    Law Society Operations Admin
    The Law Society
    113 Chancery lane
    London
    WC2A 1PL
    DX 56 London Chancery Lane

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  • Further help or support

    If you need any further guidance or support, please contact the Accreditation Unit on:

    Telephone: 0870 606 2566 (lines are open 10:00 - 16:00 Monday to Friday)
    Email: accreditation@
    lawsociety.org.uk