Retired members retain the same rights as practising members, except the right to practise law or to act as notaries public or commissioners for taking affidavits.
Retired members are entitled to:
- run for election as Benchers;
- vote in Bencher elections and general meetings of the Law Society; and
- receive Law Society publications.
You may become a retired member if you have either:
- reached age 55;
- been a member in good standing for 20 of the previous 25 years; or,
- engaged in the full-time active practice of law for 20 of the previous 25 years.
Former members must first apply for reinstatement in order to become a retired member. If your reinstatement application is satisfactory, you will not be required to meet any conditions of reinstatement other than provision of an undertaking.
Legal researchers
If you wish to restrict your work to legal research or the preparation of legal documents, you must maintain your practising status. Providing opinions is akin to providing legal advice, which constitutes the practice of law (section 1, Legal Profession Act).
Lawyers who provide research and opinion services to covered members and have no client contact whatsoever are exempt from professional liability indemnity coverage.