The Law Society of the Northwest Territories

Membership Renewals

The deadline for 2010/2011 Membership Renewals is March 31, 2010.

NOTE: Renewal documents are not being delivered by mail. You will find all necessary documents and forms on this webpage.

CPD Report & Plan

New for 2010 is the Continued Professional Development Report & Plan. As of December 2008, it is recommended that members fulfill a minimum of twelve (12) hours of Professional Development, with at least two (2) hours focused on Legal Ethics and Practice. The new CPD Report & Plan asks members to record their professional development through 2009 and to assess their practice and CPD plan for the next year. You can find more information on Continuing Professional Development, the Report and the CPD Plan on the Continuing Legal Education page.

Rules of the Law Society

Information on membership renewals can be found in the Rules of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories.


Active (Practicing) Members

Please read the following two notices to all members:

The following forms are required as part of your renewal as an active member:

NOTE: Members with trust accounts in the Northwest Territories are required to complete a Form V - Certificates of Member and Accountant by September 1st of each year. (Instructions for Accountants are available.)


Inactive (Non-Practicing) Members

Please read the following two notices to all members:

The following forms are required as part of your renewal as an active member:

Failing to Renew

Members are strongly advised to make necessary preparations and filings for membership renewals each year. Renewals apply to all members, including those wishing to discontinue their membership. Failure to submit necessary renewal fees and documents will result in an automatic suspension without notice [Rule 56]. If a membership remains suspended for a period of five (5) years, that member is struck from the Roll [Rule 73(1)].

Changing Your Practicing Status

From Active to Inactive
Members wishing to change their status to inactive (non-practising) are required to provide written notice to the Executive of the Law Society indicating your intent to cease practice and your planned disposition of files and valuables related to your practice [Rule 58(1)].

From Inactive to Active
Members wishing to change their status to active (practising) are required to apply for active membership [Rule 53(1), 53(2)]. For more information, please see "Change of Status (to Active)" on the Applications page.

Retiring your Membership

Any member wishing to resign as a member may submit his or her request to the Executive of the Law Society. On acceptance by the Executive, the member will be recorded as retired.
[Act s.15(1), Rule 59(1)]

NOTE: Members who have resigned and wish to resume their practice in the NWT at a later date will have to apply as a full member.

Committee Sign-Up

It's never too late to get involved with your Law Society. You can find more information about the Law Society's committees on the Committees page.

To join a Committee, complete and submit the Committee Registration Form now.

Lawyer Referral Service

The Lawyer Referral Service pairs the public with lawyers, improving the public’s access to proper legal advice, representation and access to justice. With an average of 5 requests a day, the Service proves people are looking for help.

Add your name to the Lawyer Referral Service today. Help yourself and the public.

Download and complete the Lawyer Referral Service Application.