Important Update! BCI releases Urgent notice on Certificate of Practice, Check details

The BCI has released a notice on the certificate of practice. The notice has been released considering the recent concerns/apprehensions surrounding misinformation and improper notifications, by State Bar Councils/Members of State Bar Councils/Advocates in their capacity.

Important Update! BCI releases Urgent notice on Certificate of Practice, Check details

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has released an important notification on the Certificate of Practice (CoP). The urgent notice related to Advocates Declaration of Existence in Profession - Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practise (Verification) Rules, 2015 has been released. The notice has been released considering the recent concerns/apprehensions surrounding misinformation and improper notifications, by State Bar Councils/Members of State Bar Councils/Advocates in their capacity.

The BCI official Notice stated, “Contrary to previous communications, if any, from State Bar Councils, etc. it is crucial to emphasize that Advocates, including those listed as voters in previous Bar Council Elections, must substantiate their existence in the legal profession during verification, either after five years or when submitting fresh verification forms.”

“This verification process necessitates the attachment of essential documents such as vakalatnama, order sheets, or proof of drafting/deeds in non-litigious work, etc. in accordance with the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015,” it added. The Notice further clarified that incorrect declarations, if any, stemming from inaccurate information being provided to applicants must be promptly rectified.

As per the Notice, to ensure compliance with Form A Column III, Advocates will have to immediately submit:

1. Certified copies of at least 5 Vakalatnamas or any other document/cause list establishing five years of active practice.

2. For Advocates associated with law firms, a certificate from the authorized personnel of the firm detailing the period of service and nature of work.

3. For conveyancing lawyers, submission of five documents from the last three years supporting the claim of being a conveyaning practice lawyer.

Along with these documents, the BCI also directed the Advocates to provide details and updates, if any, on educational qualifications, and disclose any filed/pending criminal cases.

Check the BCI official notification on COP here

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