After a licence has expired (for any period) it is not automatically re-instated. You will need to demonstrate that you continue to meet the CLC’s licensing and professional standards. If you are also regulated by another regulator, such as the SRA or CILEx, we will carry out disciplinary checks with this licensing body. The CLC may seek to obtain references from past or most recent employers.
Q1. My licence expired in the last two years (due to parental leave, career break, working in another sector), can I automatically reapply for my licence?
A. Yes, but before contacting us to reapply for your licence you should complete the standard annual CPD requirement to hold a CLC licence.
This will evidence that you have maintained your legal knowledge. More information on the various learning activities that could count towards CPD hours can be found HERE.
You will be asked to provide:
- A current CV
- A copy of your most recent training record detailing the types of activities that you have completed.
- Confirmation from your employer that they are aware you have not held yourself out as a CLC Lawyer during the time you have not held a current and valid CLC Licence
You should contact the licensing team licensing@clc-uk.org to make the request and ensure we hold accurate up to date personal information about you.
Q2. My licence expired more than two years but less than six years ago, what are the pre-application requirements that apply to me?
A. First you will need to demonstrate that your legal knowledge is up to date by passing one of the following units on the SQA qualifications framework:
To reapply for a Conveyancing Licence:
- SQA Level 6 Diploma Unit: Conveyancing Law and Practice
To reapply for a Probate Licence:
- SQA Level 6 Diploma Unit: The Administration of Estates
Additionally, you also need to provide:
- A current CV
- a copy of your most recent licence
- Complete screening checks. The CLC will instruct a screening agency to carry out these checks. you will be charged the standard CLC application and screening agency fees; In cases where adverse results are returned we will ask applicants to provide a copy of the DBS certificate
Q3. My licence expired more than six years ago. What are the pre-application requirements that apply to me?
A. The additional pre-application requirements are dependent on whether you have been in continuous relevant employment for the past 2 years. If you have 1 (below) applies to you and if you have not 2 (below) applies to you.
- First you will need to demonstrate your legal knowledge by passing one of the SQA Units:
To reapply for a Conveyancing Licence:
- SQA Level 6 Diploma Unit: Conveyancing Law and Practice
To reapply for a Probate Licence:
- SQA Level 6 Diploma Unit: The Administration of Estate
Additionally, you will also need to provide:
- Verification from your employer of relevant employment
- A current CV
- a copy of your most recent licence
- 300 hours practical experience. You can evidence this by completing a CLC Statement of Practice Experience in Conveyancing and Probate.
- Complete and pay for screening checks. The CLC will instruct a screening agency to carry out these checks. you will be charged the standard CLC application and screening agency fees; In cases where adverse results are returned we will ask applicants to provide a copy of the DBS certificate.
- First you will need to demonstrate your legal knowledge by passing one of the SQA Diplomas:
To reapply for a Conveyancing Licence:
- SQA Level 6 Diploma – Conveyancing Law and Practice
To reapply for a Probate Licence:
- SQA Level 6 Diploma – Probate Law and Practice
Additionally, you will also need to provide:
- A current CV
- a copy of your most recent licence
- 300 hours supervised occupational experience. You can evidence this by completing a CLC Statement of Practice Experience in Conveyancing and Probate.
- Complete and pay for screening checks. The CLC will instruct a screening agency to carry out these checks. you will be charged the standard CLC application and screening agency fees; In cases where adverse results are returned we will ask applicants to provide a copy of the DBS certificate.
Q4. Previously I was a Director, Member, or Partner in a CLC regulated Practice and listed on the CLC’s Public Register as a Registered Manager. What licence should I apply for?
A. The CLC issues three types of licence, a) conveyancing Licences, b) probate licences and c) dual conveyancing and probate licences. You should apply for which ever licence you last held. The CLC considers separately notifications from individuals that have been appointed as Directors, Members or Partners of a CLC regulated practices to be listed on its Public Register.
Application Fees:
Reapplying following an Expired CLC Licence – £150.00
Note 1. Reapplying following an Expired CLC Licence applications can be considered complex. Therefore, the standard application timescale may not apply. We will of course endeavour to process applications as swiftly as possible and tell you if the standard turnaround times are not likely to be possible.
Please note in complex cases with adverse findings the CLC reserves the right to charge £80.00 per hour up to 14 hours.
Fees for financial and criminality checks.
With the exception of applicants seeking to reapply following an expired licence (less than 2 years), all other applications require the applicant to complete and pay for screening checks. The CLC instructs a screening agency to carry out these checks. In cases where adverse results are returned we will ask applicants to provide a copy of the DBS certificate.
Universal Guidance for individuals applying of a Licence or Authorisation
