Applications and notifications
Last updated 1 July 2009
The new forms – RB1, RB2, RB3, NL1, RSP1, NM1, REG3
Who are these applications forms for?
The new application forms (and guidance notes) available here are for firms to apply to the SRA
- for approval of a non-lawyer manager (NL1),
- for recognition (RB1, RB2, RB3),
- for approval to practise as a recognised sole practitioner (RSP1).
There is also a new form (NM1) for firms to notify the SRA of a new manager.
Please use the new Form REG3 if you intend to apply for a practising certificate or registration as a registered European lawyer under regulation 3 of the SRA Practising Regulations 2009.
When can the forms be used?
The RB1, RB2, RB3, NL1 and NM1 can be used now as all firms now need to be recognised bodies, and the SRA can also regulate
- firms with other lawyers as managers, and
- firms with up to 25 per cent non-lawyer managers
Form RSP1 can be used now if you are a solicitor or registered European lawyer (REL) and you want to apply for approval to practise as a recognised sole practitioner.
Form REG3 can be used now if you need to notify us of your intention to apply for a practising certificate (PC) or registration as an REL.
How to apply to set up a new recognised body
The type of form your firm must complete depends on the type of application you are making.
RB1 – Application for approval of a new partnership
Use Form RB1 to apply for approval of a new partnership, including an LDP under the SRA Recognised Bodies Regulations 2009, to practise as a recognised body.
More about Form RB1
RB2 – Application for approval of a new limited liability partnership (LLP)
Use Form RB2 to apply for approval of a new LLP, including an LDP under the SRA Recognised Bodies Regulations 2009, to practise as a recognised body. RB2 is also the appropriate form to use for an existing recognised body to convert to LLP status.
More about Form RB2
RB3 – Application for approval of a new company
Use Form RB3 to apply for approval of a new company, including an LDP under the SRA Recognised Bodies Regulations 2009, to practise as a recognised body. This is also the appropriate form to use for an existing recognised body to convert to a company.
More about Form RB3
Fees
The fees for approval of a new recognised body depend on the date of recognition.
| Recognition start date |
Fee |
| 31 March 2009 to 30 June 2009 |
£120 |
| 1 July 2009 to 31 October 2009 |
£60 |
| 1 November 2009 to 28 February 2010 |
£180 |
Your firm's recognition must be renewed annually on 1 November.
How to apply for approval of a non-lawyer manager
An individual who is not legally qualified can be a manager in an LDP, provided they are approved by the SRA and provided there is not more than 25 per cent non-lawyer ownership and control of the firm. The restriction on the extent of non-lawyer ownership is by proportion rather than number. However, there is an additional restriction in relation to the number of managers—non-lawyers must not make up more than 25 per cent of the number of managers. The SRA can only approve individuals to be non-lawyer managers.
NL1 – Approval of a non-lawyer manager
Firms should use Form NL1 to apply for approval of an individual to be a non-lawyer manager of a recognised body.
More about Form NL1
When deciding on your preferred start date for the proposed non-lawyer manager, please be aware that approval takes effect from the date of the SRA's decision on the application, and a disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) (which can take several weeks for the CRB to process) is required with Form NL1.
If you would like a CRB application form, please contact us.
Fees
The fee for application form NL1 is £250.
How to apply for approval to practise as a recognised sole practitioner
RSP1 – Application for approval to practise as a recognised sole practitioner
Use Form RSP1 to apply for approval to practise as a recognised sole practitioner under the SRA Practising Regulations 2009.
| Recognition start date between: |
Fee |
| 1 July 2009 and 31 October 2009 |
£30 |
| 1 November 2009 and 28 February 2010 |
£90 |
| 1 March 2010 and 30 June 2010 |
£60 |
| 1 July 2010 and 31 October 2010 |
£30 |
More about Form RSP1
How to notify the SRA of a new manager
Firms should use Form NM1 to notify the SRA of a manager joining the firm.
More about Form NM1
Under rule 14.07(2)(b) of the Solicitors' Code of Conduct 2007, a recognised body must notify the SRA within seven days of any change to its managers. Please use Form NM1 to notify of any new manager joining your firm.
If you are a non-manager, please notify the SRA of a change in your practising details by completing and returning a Change of practising details form.
Our service levels
Our target is to process 95 per cent of all applications within 30 days of receipt of the completed form and fee.
Help completing your form
If you need help to complete a form, please contact us.