New Part-Time Membership Status Eligibility Criteria Coming into Effect
In April 2023, the Benchers approved a permanent part-time membership status option based on updated eligibility criteria, to be implemented in 2024. This change is now coming into effect.
The part-time membership status fee is one-half the fee for full active status, and the new eligibility criteria for lawyers include:
- having an annual total gross income of less than $100,000, with total gross income consisting of:
- all income earned from the delivery of legal services,
- all investment income,
- all pension income (non-public pensions), and
- all disability income (non-public); and
- working 750 hours or fewer, annually, related to the delivery of legal services.
A lawyer must certify that they meet each element of the eligibility criteria to apply for part-time status.
The new criteria expand eligibility for this status, so most lawyers who previously elected part-time status will continue to meet the criteria. If you currently hold part-time status and are unsure if you are still eligible with the new criteria, please contact our Customer Service team via email or phone at 403.229.4700 or 1.800.661.9003 toll-free. If you continue to meet the criteria, no further action is required.
For more information on part-time membership status, visit our Status Options & Contact Information Changes page.
Background
Since February 2020, the Law Society piloted a part-time membership status to explore if it would help retain lawyers, particularly young female lawyers, in private practice. At the December 2021 Board Meeting, the Benchers approved a two-year extension of the pilot to allow for further analysis of the status and the criteria being used. The Benchers conducted an extensive review of the parameters and eligibility criteria over the course of 2022 and 2023.
During the review, the Benchers considered the original goal of the pilot and recognized that others in the profession could also benefit from the option of part-time status. The Benchers focused on the financial barrier that can arise for some lawyers when required to pay the full active status fee. The goal of the part-time status option was therefore broadened to assist any lawyers facing financial barriers to practising law, which, if addressed, would enable them to continue to practise law on a part-time basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Benchers conducted an extensive review of the parameters and eligibility criteria for part-time membership status over the course of 2022 and 2023.
During the review, the Benchers considered the original goal of the pilot and recognized that others in the profession could also benefit from the option of part-time status. The Benchers focused on the financial barrier that can arise for some lawyers when required to pay the full active membership fee. The goal of the part-time status option was therefore broadened to assist any lawyers facing financial barriers to practising law, which, if addressed, would enable them to continue to practise law on a part-time basis.
The goal of the part-time status option is to assist lawyers facing financial barriers to practising law, and the income eligibility criterion was adjusted to better meet that goal. Expanding the annual total gross income level to include other sources of income provides a more fulsome view of a lawyer’s financial situation and demonstrates whether part-time status will assist them in dealing with financial barriers.
The new criteria expand eligibility for this status, so most lawyers who previously elected part-time status will continue to meet the criteria. If you currently hold part-time status and are unsure if you are still eligible with the new criteria, please contact our Customer Service team via email or phone at 403.229.4700 or 1.800.661.9003 toll-free. If you continue to meet the criteria, no further action is required.
The process for electing part-time membership status has not changed with the implementation of the new eligibility criteria. Visit our Status Options & Contact Information Changes page for more information on how to apply for part-time status.