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How to apply

Applications to undergo Specialist Accreditation in 2013 have now closed.

Outlined below is the 4 step process to be followed should you wish to undergo Specialist Accreditation in the future.

Step 1

• Hear what newly accredited specialists have to say about the accreditation program - here.
• Read the 2013 Guide to Application and Assessment.

 Tip: The 2013 Guide to Application to Assessment contains everything from eligibility criteria and the assessment process through to successfully gaining accrediation. Use this as your starting off point.

Step 2

• Read to 2013 Assessment Requirements document for your area of law.

Tip: The 2013 Assessment Requirements document is designed to inform potential candidates about knowledge areas, core skills, assessment crietria and performance standard. Practitioners should think of this document as the gauge on which preparation and performace are based.

Step 3

• Consider purchasing and Assessment Sample Kit (ASK) for your area of law (should one be available). The kit contains samples of assessments submitted in previous years as a showcase of the standard of work expected from candidates.

Please note, materials on the Assessment Sample Kits are unable to be printed in order to protect the Law Society’s intellectual property in the assessment materials prepared by its committee members.  

Step 4

Apply

1. Complete the Application for Specialist Accreditation - form 1. 
2. Submit your completed application form together with supporting referee reports and payment to the Law Society no later than Monday 15 April 2013.
3. If you are eligible for advanced standing please also submit an Application for Advanced Standing - form 3.

Don’t meet the eligibility requirements?

It is possible to request that the Specialist Accreditation Board uses its discretion to accept an application. Such requests must be submitted in the following way:

1. Complete the Application for Specialist Accreditation  - form 1.
2. Complete the Application for Exemption from Eligibility Criteria - form 2, accompanied by a one page summary in support of the claim.
3. Complete two referee reports, each on seperate Referee Report forms, to support the Application.
4. Submit all completed forms and supporting documentation with payment to the Law Society no later than Monday 15 April 2013.

Late applications will not be accepted, as this would disrupt the assessment timetable for candidates.

*When calculating years in practice, 'years' run from the date of commencement of practice to 30 June in the year of application.

** Time spent must not be less than 25% of normal full-time practice or its equivalent. It is possible for a practitioner who is not working full time but is involved in the specialty area for the equivalent of 25% of normal full-time practice to be eligible for accreditation. For applicants seeking accreditation in mediation, 'substantial involvement' shall be not less than 10 mediations or 30 hours of mediation as a mediator using the Law Society mediation model.