Bar Council of India issued new notice for COP (Certificate of Practice)
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued an urgent notice to advocates across the country regarding the procedure for obtaining Certificate of Practice (COP) as per the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015. This step has been taken amid growing concerns and misinformation.
The BCI notice addresses the recent misunderstandings arising out of communications from the State Bar Council and individual advocates. It is emphasized that all advocates, including those listed as voters in the last council elections, are required to certify their active status in the legal practice during the verification process. This process should be followed every five years or whenever new verification forms are submitted.
The notice specifies the need to attach proof of drafting and deeds in important documents such as Vakalatnama, order sheet, pa- in non-litigation related deeds in line with the Verification Rules of 2015. This is necessary to ensure accurate and updated records of legal professionals.
In cases where incorrect declarations have been made, possibly due to misleading information, BCI urges advocates to promptly correct these submissions. The Council calls upon advocates to diligently review and amend their records to comply with established guidelines.
Further, BCI has directed the State Bar Councils to inform all the applicants about these requirements without any delay. Form A Column… To comply, advocates are reminded to submit:
Attested copies of at least five Vakalatnamas or other documents/cause lists proving five years of active practice.
For those working in law firms, a certificate from authorized personnel of the firm confirming the period of service and nature of work is required.
Conveyancing lawyers must submit five relevant documents from the last three years to support their claim to be in conveyancing practice.
Additionally, advocates are directed to update their educational qualifications and disclose any ongoing or filed criminal cases.
