Character and Fitness Declaration Form

Character and Fitness Declaration Form
Why have I been asked to complete this form?

In determining a person’s suitability for registration as a trainee solicitor, the Education Committee (“the Committee”) and the Law Society of Northern Ireland (“the Society”) have regard to the need to protect the public and also the public interest in maintaining trust and confidence in the Solicitor profession.

Therefore, as a prospective applicant for registration as a trainee solicitor with the Society, you are required to complete this form further to the Society's Character and Fitness Policy ("the Policy").

I have already submitted a declaration to the IPLS, do I still need to complete this form?

Yes, you will be required to complete this declaration in addition to that made to the IPLS.

I don't have any declarations to make, do I still need to complete this form?

Yes, all prospective trainee solicitors are required to submit a response to this form, irrespective as to whether you have anything to declare or not. Additionally, you should complete the form even if you have not yet secured a training contract.

What happens once my form is submitted?

Once submitted you will receive an email confirmation of your submission.

Your submission will be reviewed by the Society's Admissions Officer shortly after the deadline. If a declaration has been made, it will be put before the Committee for consideration as to whether it is a bar to registration as a student of the Society.

If deemed necessary, the Committee may ask for further details or invite you to interview.

When do I need to complete the form?

All prospective trainee solicitors should submit their declaration form by 5pm on Tuesday 14th April 2026.

It is intended that the Committee will consider all declarations at their May 2026 meeting. Please note the Committee dates are subject to change, but we will keep you updated.

What will I be asked to declare?

The form covers matters in respect of:
- Criminal Conduct: For example, if you have ever been arrested, charged, cautioned, or convicted of any criminal offence (including motoring offences, fixed penalties, or conditional cautions) in Northern Ireland or elsewhere.
- Professional or Academic Misconduct: For example, if you have ever been the subject of any disciplinary proceedings, investigation, or sanction by a university, employer, or professional body (including the Law Society, Bar, or any regulator).
- Financial Matters: For example, if you have ever been declared bankrupt, entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), been subject to a Debt Relief Order, or had a County Court Judgment (CCJ) or equivalent registered against you.
- Civil, Regulatory, or Administrative Findings: For example, if you have ever been involved in civil proceedings involving allegations of fraud, dishonesty, negligence, or breach of fiduciary duty or if you have ever been subject to a finding, order, or sanction by a regulatory, administrative, or governmental authority (including immigration or tax penalties).
- Health and Capacity: For example, do you have any physical or mental health condition or other circumstance which may affect your ability to undertake training or practise as a solicitor safely and effectively.
If you are making a declaration in relation to any of the above areas, you will be asked to supply full details in the box provided. It is important that if this is the case, you have all necessary information and/or documentation to hand before you commence.

If you are uploading any documentation, please note that max file size is 3MB and the file formats accepted are pdf, jpg, jpeg, png

Any queries in respect to your declaration should be sent to registration@lawsoc-ni.org.

PLEASE DO NOT REFRESH THE PAGE, AS THIS WILL RESULT IN YOUR SUBMISSION BEING LOST.

Section 1: Personal Details
Please include here your legal name, as it would appear on a any official ID documentation.

Please do not include any abbreviations or nicknames e.g. Joe instead of Joseph or Alex instead of Alexandra.
(1.1) Title*
(1.2) First Name(s)*
(1.3) Middle Name(s)
If applicable
(1.4) Surname*
(1.5) Have you ever changed your name?*
For example, by Deed Poll or marriage.
(1.5a) Please confirm your previous name(s) below and details as to the name change(s).*
(1.6) Date of Birth*

DayMonthYear

Section 2: Contact Details
This section is for the collection of your personal contact information only. We will use these details to request any further information and update you on the progress of your declaration.

Please do not include your work email address if you do not wish to be contacted via this method.
(2.1) Home Address
Address Line 1*
Address Line 2
Address Line 3
Town/City*
Postcode*
(2.2) Email Address*
example@example.com
(2.3) Contact Telephone Number*

Section 3: Declarations
Please open each section in turn and provide your response. A response is required for all sections (excluding Section 8).
- (3.1a) Have you ever been arrested, charged, cautioned, or convicted of any criminal offence (including motoring offences, fixed penalties, or conditional cautions) in Northern Ireland or elsewhere?*
- As you have answered YES, please give full details in the box below, to include:
  - Date of offence or caution
  - Police authority or court
  - Offence and outcome
  - Sentence, penalty, or disposal imposed
  - Any mitigating circumstances or subsequent rehabilitation
- (3.1b) Please give full details here:*
- (3.2a) Have you ever been the subject of any disciplinary proceedings, investigation, or sanction by a university, employer, or professional body (including the Law Society, Bar, or any regulator)? *
- As you have answered YES, please give full details in the box below, to include:
  - Institution or organisation
  - Date(s) and nature of misconduct alleged
  - Outcome or current status
- (3.2b) Please give full details here:*
- (3.3a) Have you ever been declared bankrupt, entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), been subject to a Debt Relief Order, or had a County Court Judgment (CCJ) or equivalent registered against you?*
- As you have answered YES, please provide details and include relevant documentation (see Section 9) such as discharge certificates or court orders.
- (3.3b) Please give full details here:*
- (3.4a) Have you ever been involved in civil proceedings involving allegations of fraud, dishonesty, negligence, or breach of fiduciary duty?*
- As you have answered YES, please provide details below.
- (3.4a(i)) Please give full details here:*
- (3.4b) Have you ever been subject to a finding, order, or sanction by a regulatory, administrative, or governmental authority (including immigration or tax penalties)?*
- As you have answered YES, please provide details below.
- (3.4b(i)) Please give full details here:*
- (3.5a) Do you have any physical or mental health condition or other circumstance which may affect your ability to undertake training or practise as a solicitor safely and effectively? *
- (3.5b) As you have answered YES, please outline briefly and, if you wish, provide confidential supporting information under separate cover to the Professional Development Department of the Society by email to registration@lawsoc-ni.org. *
- (3.6a) Please use this space to provide any further details you believe may be relevant to your application or to your assessment under the Character and Suitability Policy:

Section 4: Upload
Please use the below to upload any additional or supplementary materials.

Max. file size 3MB. File formats accepted: pdf, jpg, jpeg, png
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Declarant:

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Should be Empty:

Character and Fitness Declaration Form

Section 1: Personal Details

Section 2: Contact Details

Section 3: Declarations

Section 4: Upload