Membership Renewals
NOTE: Renewal documents are no longer delivered by mail. All necessary documents and forms can be found on this page.
Mandatory CPD
Professional Development is now a requirement in the Northwest Territories. All active members are required to fulfill a minimum of twelve (12) hours of CPD activity, with a minimum of two (2) hours attributed to legal ethics and professional responsibility. All active members must include a CPD Report & Plan with their renewal documents.
For more information on Mandatory CPD, please refer to the Continuing Professional Development page.
Rules of the Law Society
Information on membership renewals can be found in the Rules of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories.
Active (Practicing) Members
Please read the following two notices to all members:
- Notice to Pay Annual Fees and Assurance Fund Levy
- Notice: Reminder of Section 48 of the Legal Profession Act
The following forms are required as part of your renewal as an active member:
- Form 2.22 - Application for Renewal
- Statutory Declaration (if you do not or will not have a trust account in the Northwest Territories)
- Insurance Exemption Certificate (if applicable)
- CPD Report and Plan
NOTE: Members with trust accounts in the Northwest Territories are required to complete a Form 2.4 - Certificates of Member and Accountant by September 1st of each year. (Instructions for Accountants are available.)
Inactive (Non-Practicing) Members
Please read the following two notices to all members:
- Notice to Pay Annual Fees and Assurance Fund Levy
- Notice: Reminder of Section 48 of the Legal Profession Act
The following forms are required as part of your renewal as an active member:
Failing to Renew
Members are strongly advised to make necessary preparations and filings for membership renewals each year. Renewals apply to all members, including those wishing to discontinue their membership. Failure to submit necessary renewal fees and documents will result in an automatic suspension without notice [Rule 56]. If a membership remains suspended for a period of five (5) years, that member is struck from the Roll [Rule 73(1)].
Changing Your Practicing Status
From Active to Inactive
Members wishing to change their status to inactive (non-practising) are required to provide written notice to the Executive of the Law Society indicating your intent to cease practice and your planned disposition of files and valuables related to your practice [Rule 58(1)].
From Inactive to Active
Members wishing to change their status to active (practising) are required to apply for active membership [Rule 53(1), 53(2)]. For more information, please see "Change of Status (to Active)" on the Applications page.
Retiring your Membership
Any member wishing to resign as a member may submit his or her request to the Executive of the Law Society. On acceptance by the Executive, the member will be recorded as retired.
[Act s.15(1), Rule 59(1)]
NOTE: Members who have resigned and wish to resume their practice in the NWT at a later date will have to apply as a full member.
Committee Sign-Up
It's never too late to get involved with your Law Society. You can find more information about the Law Society's committees on the Committees page.
To join a Committee, complete and submit the Committee Recruitment Form now.
Lawyer Referral Service
The Lawyer Referral Service pairs the public with lawyers, improving the public’s access to proper legal advice, representation and access to justice. With an average of 5 requests a day, the Service proves people are looking for help.
Add your name to the Lawyer Referral Service today. Help yourself and the public.
Download and complete the Lawyer Referral Service Application.
