Mobility
On November 3, 2006 the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon and the 10 provinces signed a Territorial Mobility Agreement (TMA). With it, the territorial law societies now participate in national mobility as reciprocating governing bodies with respect to the permanent mobility provisions of the National Mobility Agreement.
On January 1, 2012 the Territorial Mobility Agreement will expire. Until then, the three territories are continuing discussions within their jurisdictions and with the 10 provincial signatories of the National Mobility Agreement. All jurisdictions are now working together to investigate solutions that will benefit members in all jurisdictions while maintaining the foundation of a self-governed profession in the three territories.
Watch this website for developments as we get closer to 2012.
Permanent Mobility
Through the Permanent Mobility portion of the TMA, lawyers may apply for full membership with the Law Society of the Northwest Territories without passing a Bar exam, provided they:
- are members, in good standing, of another jurisdiction; and
- read, and declare to have read, a prescribed list of legal documents and materials relevant to their practice in the Northwest Territories.
Temporary Mobility
Under the TMA, the Northwest Territories currently does not support the Temporary Mobility portion of the National Mobility Agreement. Therefore, lawyers are not permitted to practice within the Northwest Territories for any period of time without a membership. (See Unauthorized Practice under Regulation.)
Lawyers wishing to practice in the Northwest Territories for a specific period of time and/or exclusively with a single client on a single case may apply for a Restricted Appearance Certificate (RAC). An RAC provides a lawyer with the equivalent of a membership for the purpose(s) set forth on the certificate.
For more information, contact the Law Society.
