How to apply

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Our Children Law Accreditation is a recognised quality standard for practitioners representing children in children law proceedings

To apply for initial accreditation, you’ll need to:

complete a training course
submit a detailed application
attend an assessment

The application process takes around six to eight weeks. It can take longer if we receive high volumes of applications or if you do not give us all the information we need.

Step 1: Complete the training

You must complete 18 hours of training, provided by one of our approved training providers:

Your provider will give you a certificate of attendance when you complete the course.

You must submit your application within six months of completing the training.

Step 2: Apply for an EDBS check

You’ll need to apply for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (EDBS) check.

An EDBS check can take up to six weeks. You should apply as soon as possible, as your application will be refused if you fail to complete the process.

We can accept an existing EDBS if it’s less than three months old when we receive your application.

We may ask for additional EDBS checks at any point after your accreditation.

Step 3: Read the guidance

Before you begin your application, you must read our:

Step 4: Complete the form

Complete your application form (Word 334 KB) in Microsoft Word.

Step 5: Submit your application

Your completed application is made up of:

your application form
a copy of your training certificate
a copy of your EDBS check
a copy of your anonymised skeleton argument, written submissions or detailed position statement
a copy of your Family Proceedings Advocacy Certificate (if applicable)

Do not send files larger than 18 MB. If necessary, send your supporting documents in separate emails.

Submit your application by email

Step 6: Pay the application fee

We’ll send you an invoice when we receive your application.

The total fee is £618 (VAT included).

Step 7: Assessment

Our accreditations team will review and assess your application. We’ll let you know if we need any more information from you.

If you meet our eligibility checks, you’ll be invited to an interview at our offices in London before a panel of two of our assessors.

You must arrive an hour and a half before your interview time.

We’ll give you a case study scenario on children law matters and proceedings when you arrive. You’ll have one hour to think about how to:

represent and advise your client
deal with issues of law, procedure and evidence

The interview lasts for one hour. The assessors will ask you questions about the scenario. You can bring reference materials, such as the Family Procedure Rules.

Step 8: Accreditation

Our accreditation team will let you know the outcome of your application after your interview.

Appeals

If your application is unsuccessful, we’ll refund your membership fee.

You may appeal against our decision.

Read our appeals policy

Contact us

Call: 020 7320 5797

Email: accreditation@lawsociety.org.uk

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday