Lawyer's Practicing Certificate Requirements in Kenya, Licencing Body & Contacts

Executive Summary

• All lawyers practicing in Kenya must obtain an annual Practicing Certificate from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)
• Requirements include valid Advocate's license, current LSK membership, and CPD compliance
• Application deadline: December 31st annually for following year
• Practicing Certificate fees: KES 15,000 annually
• Late application penalty: 25% of prescribed fee
• Must complete minimum 6 CPD hours annually
• Advocates must maintain professional indemnity insurance
• LSK located at Wabera Street, Nairobi
• Contact: +254 20 2719873, +254 722 350369
• Online applications available through LSK portal

The Regulatory Framework

The Law Society of Kenya is established under the Law Society of Kenya Act (Cap 18) and the Advocates Act (Cap 16) as the professional body for all advocates in Kenya. Every advocate intending to practice law in Kenya must obtain an annual Practicing Certificate from LSK.

Under Section 10 of the Advocates Act, no person shall practice as an advocate unless they hold a valid Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of Kenya. The Practicing Certificate must be renewed annually to maintain legal authorization to practice.

About the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)

The Law Society of Kenya regulates the legal profession, maintains professional standards, and protects the interests of both lawyers and the public. LSK is the official representative body for the legal profession in Kenya.

Functions of LSK

• Issue annual Practicing Certificates to qualified advocates
• Maintain the Roll of Advocates
• Regulate professional conduct and ethics
• Administer continuing professional development programs
• Investigate complaints against advocates
• Conduct disciplinary proceedings
• Represent the legal profession in national matters
• Provide legal aid and public interest litigation
• Advocate for rule of law and justice system reforms

Requirements for Practicing Certificate

Basic Requirements

1. Must be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
2. Current LSK membership in good standing
3. No outstanding disciplinary issues
4. Compliance with CPD requirements (minimum 6 hours annually)
5. Professional indemnity insurance coverage
6. Payment of annual fees

Required Documents

• Completed Practicing Certificate application form
• Copy of Advocate's license/admission certificate
• Proof of CPD compliance
• Professional indemnity insurance certificate
• National ID or passport copy
• Passport-size photograph
• Payment confirmation

Fees and Deadlines

Application Deadline: December 31st for the following year

Late Applications: Applications submitted after December 31st attract a 25% penalty on top of the prescribed fee.

Application Process

Online Application

1. Visit LSK website at www.lsk.or.ke
2. Log into LSK portal using advocate registration number
3. Complete Practicing Certificate application form online
4. Upload required documents (CPD certificate, insurance, ID)
5. Make payment via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or card
6. Submit application
7. Print acknowledgement receipt
8. Collect Practicing Certificate upon approval (typically 2-4 weeks)

Physical Application

1. Visit LSK offices at Wabera Street, Nairobi
2. Collect Practicing Certificate application form
3. Complete form with all required information
4. Attach all supporting documents
5. Make payment at LSK cashier or designated bank
6. Submit application with receipt
7. Collect Practicing Certificate after processing

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

All practicing advocates must complete mandatory CPD requirements annually.

Minimum CPD Hours: 6 hours per year

CPD Activities Include:

• Attending LSK-accredited seminars and workshops
• Legal conferences and symposia
• Online legal training programs
• Publishing legal articles and papers
• Teaching law courses
• Pro bono legal services

LSK maintains a register of accredited CPD providers and activities. Advocates must submit CPD certificates when applying for Practicing Certificate renewal.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

All practicing advocates must maintain professional indemnity insurance coverage. The insurance protects both the advocate and clients against claims arising from professional negligence or errors.

Minimum Coverage: As prescribed by LSK regulations

Insurance certificates must be submitted annually with Practicing Certificate applications.

Law Society of Kenya Contact Information

Physical Address:
Law Society of Kenya
LSK Centre
Wabera Street
Nairobi, Kenya

Postal Address:
P.O. Box 72219-00200
Nairobi, Kenya

Contact Details:
Phone: +254 20 2719873
Mobile: +254 722 350369
Email: lsk@lsk.or.ke
Website: www.lsk.or.ke

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Practicing without a valid Practicing Certificate is a criminal offense under the Advocates Act. Consequences include:

• Prosecution under the Advocates Act
• Disciplinary proceedings by LSK Disciplinary Committee
• Suspension from the Roll of Advocates
• Fines and penalties
• Inability to appear in court or represent clients
• Nullification of legal work done without valid certificate
• Professional liability without insurance protection

Admission as an Advocate

Before obtaining a Practicing Certificate, candidates must first be admitted as advocates. The admission process includes:

1. Complete Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from recognized university
2. Pass Kenya School of Law Advocates Training Program
3. Complete pupillage (articled clerkship) for minimum 6 months
4. Pass Bar examinations
5. Apply for admission to the Roll of Advocates
6. Pay admission fees
7. Take oath of office before High Court Judge
8. Receive Certificate of Admission

Once admitted, advocates can then apply for their first Practicing Certificate from LSK.