CDS News

The current Duty Solicitor Scheme rotas were issued for 6 months and are due to end on 13 Jan 2009.

Duty Solicitors who are already on these rotas will automatically be included in the next set of rotas, to be issued on 13 Dec 2008, unless you have advised us already that they no longer qualify.

Applications from:

• Newly qualified Duty Solicitors
• Duty Solicitors not currently on Schemes
• Existing Duty Solicitors who qualify for and wish to be included on alternative or additional Schemes from Jan 2009

will be accepted up to close of business on 14 Nov 2008 to set the Jan 2009 rotas.

Applications will be assessed and eligibility determined according to the Schedule of Duty Scheme Rules, re-published this week as Annex A to the Duty Solicitor Arrangements 2008 . All potential applicants are advised to refer to this document, which sets out the definitive rules for joining each individual scheme, when completing their applications.

In setting this cut-off date, we have liaised with the various accreditation bodies to fit with forthcoming examination and accreditation dates.

We realise that newly qualified solicitors will not have received their CLAS Certificates by this time; such applicants will not be required to provide a copy of their certificate, but must provide alternative proof of qualification, e.g. PIN number, copy of results etc.

Applications received after 14 Nov 2008 will be held and considered for inclusion in the July 2009 rotas to be issued on 13 June 2009.

For more information, please contact your Account Manager in your Regional Office.