Career Breaks and Return to Practice – Guidance for CLC Lawyers

It is not necessary for CLC lawyers to notify us of a planned career break if the period of absence begins and ends within the current licence year (i.e. 01 November to 31 October).

CLC lawyers should notify us when contacted at the point of licence renewal if they do not intend to renew their licence for the forthcoming year.

When planning a return to practice, ongoing competence (CPD) requirements must be current at the point of return. This means that CLC lawyers must be able to demonstrate compliance with the annual ongoing competence (CPD) requirement, regardless of the length of the absence.

Where the absence exceeds two years re-application requirements for demonstrating competence will apply. Where the absence exceeds six years re-application requirements for revalidation of competence standards apply, as well as completion of the standard fit and proper screening.

More information about returning after two or six years can be found in the guidance at the bottom of this page.

Key Personnel

Practices are obligated under the Notification Code to notify the CLC in advance of any changes (including planned career breaks) to their key personnel appointees such as, HoLP, HoFA or MLRO, in order for the CLC to agree to the proposed replacement appointee and period of cover. Practices must notify the CLC when the principal appointee returns to work.

Please notify us by emailing licensing@clc-uk.org.