RF1 notes – FAQs

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Frequently asked questions

Where do I send the form?

Please send your form and appropriate fee to:

Operations Unit
Solicitors Regulation Authority
Ipsley Court
Berrington Close
Redditch
B98 0TD
or
DX 19114 Redditch

Alternatively, to pay by credit card or bank transfer, fax your renewal form and payment form to +44 (0)1527 519150.

Any payment unaccompanied by an application form will be held for a maximum of 30 days before being returned to the sender.

How can I pay?

You can pay the full amount by cheque, postal order, bank transfer or credit card. There is a handling charge of 1.75% for Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, Delta or Electron payments. Diners and American Express are not accepted.

To pay by credit/debit card, complete the credit/debit authorisation form (PDF 43K) and return it with your application form. If the authorisation form or cheque is unsigned, or if payment is not enclosed, we will return the form to you.

You may pay by cash, at your own risk, but this is not recommended, and we will not be held responsible for monies not received.

Who should I make the cheque payable to?

Make your cheque payable to the Law Society, and put your SRA number on the back of the cheque (for your SRA number, see "Details of organisation and main office" on page 1 of the form).

All foreign cheques must be endorsed, i.e. signed and dated on the reverse by the drawer. It may take up to eight weeks for a foreign cheque to clear our account. Your application will not be processed until cleared funds have been received.

Will I receive a receipt for the fee and form?

We do not issue receipts for application forms or fees.

What if a solicitor does not want to renew his or her practising certificate?

Indicate the reason(s) for not renewing the certificate—if necessary, on a separate sheet. For example, a solicitor might not need a practising certificate if he/she

We need written confirmation from the individual solicitor that he/she does not want a new certificate.

Please amend the details on the fees summary page and recalculate the fees required.

If your organisation employs solicitors who are on the roll but do not hold a practising certificate, write "non-practising – uncertificated" and provide an explanation on a separate sheet: for example, "Exempt from holding a practising certificate under section 88 of the Solicitors Act 1974" (e.g. civil servant) or "non-practising–employed to do public relations work only."

If you are not sure whether a solicitor needs a practising certificate, contact Professional Ethics.

If an assistant solicitor's name is shown on the firm's notepaper while she is on maternity leave, she must either

What should I do if there has been a major change to the practice—for example, a merger or amalgamation?

Use the RF1 form to notify us of the changes. If necessary, provide additional information on separate sheets attached to the form. If you need further assistance, contact us.

What should I do if a solicitor's name has changed?

Write the new name and the date the change became effective on a separate sheet for that solicitor. Attach a signed copy of proof—for example, a photocopy of their marriage certificate or a certified copy of a deed poll.

Can a refund be obtained for a practising certificate if a solicitor stops practising during the year?

There is no provision in the Solicitors Act 1974 for the revocation of a practising certificate or any refund of the fee.

Who to include on the form?

Include details of all solicitors, registered European lawyers (RELs) and registered foreign lawyers (RFLs) in your organisation.

If your organisation is not paying for a solicitor's practising certificate (perhaps because he/she has more than one practice), you should check that they have applied on another form. If they have not applied, contact us for an individual application form (RF3).

If you add new solicitors, RELs or RFLs to the form, you must enter them under their main practising address.

Please check to see if any solicitor in your organisation is now subject to section 12(1) of the Solicitors Act 1974.

What if I need more information?

First, please consult the guidance published on this website. Then, if you still have a query, contact Professional Ethics.

If we know that section 12(1) of the Solicitors Act 1974 applies to a solicitor in your organisation when we pre-print your RF1 form, we include the details in the section of the form entitled "Solicitors' Section 12 applications and RELs special circumstances".

For details of the categories, see section 12(1) of the Solicitors Act 1974. If section 12(1) applies to a solicitor, an additional form (RFs12) must be completed before their practising certificate can be issued. For an RFs12 form, contact us or go to RFs12 – tell us you intend to apply.

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