To apply for an Inter-Jurisdictional Practice Permit, you must submit to the Law Society:
- an application for Inter-Jurisdictional Practice Permit;
- an original certificate of standing (long form) from each law society of which you are a member, issued within the previous 30 days;
- a certificate of indemnity or insurance from your home law society as proof that you carry professional liability insurance or indemnity coverage that specifically extends to your temporary practice in BC; and
- the permit application fee.*
*The fee applies if you are from a jurisdiction that charges a fee to BC lawyers for the equivalent of an Inter-Jurisdictional Practice Permit. If you are a member of a law society that waives fees for BC lawyers on a reciprocal basis, you are not required to remit the fee.
Permit validity
An Inter-Jurisdictional Practice Permit is valid for one year from the date it was issued.
If you are from a reciprocating jurisdiction, you can practise in BC for up to a maximum of 100 business days within the year the permit is valid.
If you are not from a reciprocating jurisdiction, you may be granted a permit to work on a specific legal matter. The permit expires on the completion of the matter for which it was granted, and extends to all appearances on the same action or information number throughout, including appeals.
A permit ceases to be valid if the permit holder:
- is not a practising member in good standing of a governing body;
- fails to maintain professional liability insurance or indemnity coverage; or
- is suspended or disbarred by any governing body.
Renewing a permit
Prior to the expiry of the permit, you may apply to the Law Society for a one-year renewal of the permit by submitting the same documents as on the initial application and the appropriate fee.