Search

The Bar Standards Board (BSB), which regulates barristers in England and Wales, will adopt a more structured approach to barristers' registration, which will be known as authorisation to practise.

This follows approval of the BSB's proposed new rules by the Legal Services Board, which is the overarching legal regulator. The new rules will modernise the authorisation process and bring the arrangements into compliance with the Legal Services Act 2007.

During the new process, barristers will be asked to:

• Verify their current contact details
• Verify their practising status and entitlement to exercise reserved legal activities
• Confirm whether they have completed the requisite amount of continuing professional development (CPD) activity
• Declare that they have obtained and paid for adequate indemnity insurance
• Pay their practising certificate fee, and
• Sign a declaration of truth.

The renewal will be completed via a quick and easy online system, and chambers and employers will be able to apply for block authorisation. In addition, changes are being introduced for barristers registered under rule 206 (rule gives barristers limited scope to practise, without requiring a practising certificate) or applying for exemption under rules 1102 and 1104 of the Code of Conduct.