Accreditation schemes

Notice

Most accreditation schemes moved from the Solicitors Regulation Authority to the Law Society on 1 July 2009. There is no change to the operation of the schemes.

We are aware that some scheme documents contain outdated information and references to legislation, and are taking steps to rectify this by means of a thorough review and revision of all the documentation as part of our ongoing development of the accreditation schemes.

Certified expertise

Many legal practitioners earn special recognition for their expertise in particular areas of law by achieving membership in one or more of the Law Society's accreditation schemes.

Look for the 'tick' sign next to the name of firms listed in Find a solicitor; it means that firms have one or more practitioners whose skills, knowledge and experience – in at least one major area of law – have been thoroughly tested and certified.

What are Law Society accreditation schemes?

Membership of Law Society accreditation schemes is voluntary. The expertise of scheme members in a given area of law has been verified, and their accomplishment is recognised by the Law Society.

More than 16 per cent of solicitors belong to at least one accreditation scheme; in some cases, highly skilled non-solicitors achieve membership of a scheme.

In total, more than 18,000 legal professionals are members of our accreditation schemes.

Check each scheme's page for more information about what to expect from an accredited solicitor, eligibility requirements and application documentation.

Why do we have accreditation schemes?

The Law Society operates accreditation schemes in order to:

  • promote high standards in legal service provision
  • ensure that consumers are easily able to identify legal practitioners with proven competency in given areas of law
  • help consumers to make informed choices
  • offer solicitors and firms use of a recognisable brand
  • provide information for courts, statutory bodies and other professionals
  • ensure that scheme members maintain relevant standards of competency and expertise, by means of periodic reselection, re-accreditation and re-authorisation

If you are a legal practitioner, learn more about the benefits of accreditation scheme membership.

Who can join accreditation schemes?

Solicitors can apply for membership of any Law Society accreditation scheme as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and can subsequently prove their competence.

Some schemes accept membership applications from solicitors' employees. The Mental Health Review Tribunal Accreditation Scheme accepts applications from solicitors, legal executives, trainee solicitors and solicitors' clerks. By contrast, only qualified solicitors are permitted to join the Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme. Scheme members are accredited to uniform standards, regardless of their professional status.

How can I find out more?

Each scheme's page (see navigation left, or below) gives more information about what to expect from an accredited solicitor, eligibility requirements, and application documentation. If you are interested in becoming a scheme member and have other queries, contact the Accreditation Unit (0870 606 2566).

Scheme logos

Scheme logos are available from lawsocietylogos.com.

Enquiries

If you have any enquiries about accreditation schemes, please e-mail accreditation@lawsociety.org.uk.

Solicitors and other legal professionals with queries about applying for scheme membership or re-accreditation can also call 0870 6062566. Lines are open from 09.00 - 11.00 and from 14.30 - 16.30.

Chief Assessor applications

If you wish to apply for a Chief Assessor post, please download the documents below. Please let us know if you require these documents in a different format.

Please return your completed application from by 9am on 22 February 2010 to the relevant scheme.

Applications must be submitted by email. All applications will be acknowledged. Applications which are hand delivered, faxed or posted will not be considered.