Request a certificate
The Law Society provides a number of certification and authentication services to both lawyers and members of the public including:
Certificate of Standing
A Certificate of Standing is a detailed document issued to a member of the Law Society at their request only. It contains the complete details of a lawyer’s membership history including any open complaints or investigations, practice restrictions, and any arrears or other financial difficulties. These certificates are usually required for lawyers who are seeking to acquire membership in another jurisdiction or to confirm that they are entitled to practise law in BC.
To request a Certificate of Standing, complete the online request form in the Member Portal and submit your payment. Requests are processed in the order in which they are received and the Law Society does not offer an expedited service. Allow up to 10 business days for processing upon receipt of payment.
Order in Council Administration Office
BC lawyers who wish to be placed on file with the Ministry of Attorney General’s OIC Administration Office must first submit the required form to the Law Society for authentication.
Submit your request
- Download the OIC form.
- Complete all sections or fields on the form.
- The notarial seal must be affixed to the form. Impressed seals are required as label or sticker style seals will be rejected.
- The text on the seal, including the lawyer’s name, must be clearly visible. Illegible seals will be rejected by the OIC Admin Office.
- Send the original form to the Law Society’s offices along with the required payment of $26.25. Only original copies of the form can be authenticated.
You must complete the form correctly as any issues with the form contents will result in its rejection by the Law Society or the OIC Administration Office. Once the form has been successfully authenticated, the Law Society will email the document to the OIC with the original document following by regular post.
Allow up to 10 business days for processing upon receipt of payment. A receipt will be issued to you when your request has been processed.
Fees
Certificate of Standing – $78.75 (GST included)
OIC Administration request – $26.25 (GST included)
Payment
- Cheque or bank draft (payable to ‘Law Society of BC’)
- Visa, Mastercard or American Express
Processing times
Certificates are processed within 10 business days of receipt of a complete request.
Delays in processing will occur if your request is incomplete or cannot be authenticated. For example: payment not included, lawyer’s signature cannot be authenticated, lawyer’s stamp or seal missing or unclear
Contact information
Documents for authentication and the required payment must be delivered to:
Registration and Licensee Services
Law Society of BC
845 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 4Z9
Email: registration@lsbc.org
Phone: 604.605.5311