Practitioner information - new practitioners

Obtaining a practitioner code number

Before you can carry out any legal aid work, you need to apply to the Board for a practitioner code, which must be included on all applications and accounts submitted to the Board. To obtain a practitioner code and a solicitors’ legal aid starter pack please telephone or write to the Board’s Receipts and Payments section - visit our contact us section for these details. 

Since 1 October 1998, if you want to carry out criminal legal assistance work, you must also be registered on the Criminal Legal Assistance Register. To do this you must show that you comply with the Board’s Code of Practice in relation to criminal legal assistance. Find out more about criminal legal aisstance registration.

If you wish to undertake civil legal assistance, firms need to register with teh Board. Find out more about registration for civil legal assistance.