Form 2-22 – Application by Visiting Lawyer for a Permit

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province or State: Alberta

What is a Form 2-22 – Application by Visiting Lawyer for a Permit?

Form 2-22 is the application you submit to the provincial legal regulator to obtain a visiting lawyer permit. It authorizes you, as a lawyer licensed outside Alberta, to provide legal services in Alberta on a temporary basis. The permit defines what you can do, for whom, and for how long. It exists to protect the public, align insurance and ethical standards, and make temporary practice orderly and accountable.

You typically use this form if you are qualified and in good standing in another jurisdiction but are not an active member of the Alberta bar. You may be licensed elsewhere in Canada, or in another country. If you plan to provide legal services connected to Alberta, you need to confirm whether a permit is required and, if so, secure it before you start. The permit is matter- and time-specific. It is not a blanket authorization to open an Alberta practice.

You need this form when your work touches Alberta in a way that goes beyond brief or incidental activity. Common examples include a court or tribunal appearance in Alberta, running a hearing or arbitration seated in Alberta, managing a transaction where Alberta assets or parties are central, interviewing witnesses and taking statements in Alberta, or advising on Alberta law in a sustained way. If you are a lawyer from another Canadian province who has exceeded or expects to exceed temporary practice thresholds, the permit formalizes your continued work. If you are licensed outside Canada, a permit is typically required for any legal services delivered in Alberta, even if you act with local counsel.

Typical usage scenarios

• A litigator might need to argue a chambers application in Calgary.
• A regulatory lawyer might attend a hearing for a client with Alberta operations.
• A corporate lawyer might close an asset sale involving Alberta facilities and employees.
• An in-house counsel for a company based elsewhere might negotiate an Alberta supply agreement and lead due diligence on Alberta sites.
• A bankruptcy lawyer might examine a witness located in Alberta.
• An arbitration practitioner might conduct a merits hearing in Edmonton because the seat is in Alberta.

In each case, you want clear authority to act, aligned with insurance and ethical rules, and you want the court, tribunal, and counterparties to accept your status without friction. The visiting lawyer permit provides that authority.

Form 2-22 captures who you are, where you are licensed, your insurance status, the Alberta work you plan to do, and the safeguards that will govern your practice. It also records your undertakings to comply with Alberta’s professional obligations while you act under the permit. If approved, you receive written authorization that you can show to a court registry, tribunal clerk, or anyone who asks you to confirm your right to practice in Alberta.

When Would You Use a Form 2-22 – Application by Visiting Lawyer for a Permit?

You use this form when your work in Alberta crosses from informal involvement to regulated legal services. If you will be advising on Alberta law, taking steps in a proceeding, negotiating or drafting documents governed by Alberta law, or meeting clients and witnesses in Alberta with a legal purpose, you likely need a permit unless a specific mobility rule applies and you remain within its limits. If you will appear in court or before an Alberta tribunal, you should plan for a permit and, in some settings, you may also need leave of the presiding body and involvement of local counsel.

Consider a few practical situations. You are a lawyer in British Columbia who has already spent many days this year running an Alberta-origin file and expects to exceed temporary practice limits. You would use this form to continue acting lawfully for the rest of the year. You are a Toronto litigator retained to argue a complex summary judgment application in Edmonton. A permit lets you appear and manage the related steps around the hearing. You are a U.S.-based energy lawyer advising on a cross-border asset sale with Alberta plants and leases. The permit authorizes you to negotiate and advise within the province, often alongside Alberta counsel. You are an in-house lawyer at a Saskatchewan company negotiating an Alberta-based construction contract and leading site meetings in Red Deer. You apply for a permit to cover that work. You are a Quebec arbitration counsel running an arbitration seated in Calgary with witnesses, experts, and procedural steps in Alberta. The permit squarely addresses that mandate.

Typical users are lawyers who remain licensed and insured in another jurisdiction and need a temporary legal footprint in Alberta. That includes private practice lawyers at national or international firms, regional counsel on a client’s national team, in-house counsel stepping into a front-line role on an Alberta matter, and foreign counsel with a narrow, well-defined Alberta task. The client might be a corporation, public body, or individual. The exact trigger varies, but the common thread is planned, substantive legal activity in Alberta that should be documented and authorized.

If you are unsure whether your planned involvement requires a permit, assess the nature, duration, and intensity of your Alberta work. If a court or tribunal appearance is involved, if you will hold yourself out to others in Alberta as the lawyer on the file, or if your advice will address Alberta legal rights and obligations, you should assume a permit is needed unless a clear exemption applies. When in doubt, obtain the permit. It is faster than repairing an unauthorized practice issue mid-file.

Legal Characteristics of the Form 2-22 – Application by Visiting Lawyer for a Permit

Form 2-22 is a regulatory application. It does not itself grant you rights. The permit issued after review is the legal authorization. The permit is grounded in provincial legislation and rules that govern who may deliver legal services in Alberta and on what terms. When you submit the form, you make representations about your status, insurance, discipline history, and intended practice. Those representations are binding. False or incomplete information can lead to refusal, revocation, discipline in your home jurisdiction, and enforcement action in Alberta.

What ensures enforceability?

The permit is enforceable because it is granted under statutory authority. It will state the period it covers, often linked to specific matters or categories of work, and may include conditions. Typical conditions include maintaining good standing in your home jurisdiction, maintaining liability insurance that is comparable to Alberta’s minimum requirements, working with Alberta counsel where needed, and complying with all local ethical and practice rules. The permit is personal and non-transferable. It does not authorize you to open a law office in Alberta, solicit the Alberta public, or establish an ongoing practice. It is a limited license for a limited purpose.

Courts and tribunals in Alberta recognize this permitting regime. A registry clerk may ask for your permit before accepting filings or a notice of appearance. A presiding decision-maker may require you to confirm your authority at the first attendance. If leave is also required for right of audience, you should align your permit timeline with the hearing schedule and ensure any local counsel requirements are met.

Trust handling and client money are critical legal considerations. The visiting lawyer permit does not allow you to open a trust account in Alberta. You should not receive or disburse trust funds in Alberta. If a retainer is required, route it through your home firm’s trust account (if permitted in your home jurisdiction) or through the trust account of Alberta counsel. Make clear disclosures to the client about who will hold funds and how they are protected. If you will handle client property in any way within Alberta, ensure that the method complies with Alberta’s trust safety expectations.

Conflicts of interest and confidentiality rules apply to you in Alberta while you act under the permit. You must keep client information confidential, avoid conflicts under both your home rules and Alberta rules, and maintain appropriate file records. You should also describe yourself accurately. Use your home title with a “visiting lawyer” designation and your home jurisdiction. Do not imply you are an Alberta licensee. Your marketing, email signature, and court materials should reflect your visiting status.

If you breach permit conditions, practice without a permit, or let your home license or insurance lapse while acting in Alberta, you risk immediate suspension of your authority, adverse cost consequences in proceedings, and sanctions. The regulator may notify your home regulator. Your client’s matter may be disrupted. The legal system treats authority to practice as a threshold requirement. Treat this application with the same seriousness you give to filing a statement of claim or motion record.

How to Fill Out a Form 2-22 – Application by Visiting Lawyer for a Permit

Approach the form like any regulatory filing: gather documents, answer precisely, and anticipate questions. Set aside focused time to complete it. If a hearing or deadline is near, flag urgency in your cover sheet and give dates.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility and need.

• Identify the Alberta tasks you plan to perform. Check whether you fall within any mobility allowance and, if so, whether you will exceed it. If you will appear in court or at a tribunal, assume you need the permit. If you are licensed outside Canada, assume you need the permit. Clarify any requirement for local Alberta counsel for filings or appearances.

Step 2: Gather required documents.

• You will need a current proof of good standing from your home regulator, typically recent. Obtain a letter or certificate of insurance showing your professional liability coverage, limits, effective dates, and territory of coverage. Prepare a summary of your intended Alberta work, including expected start and end dates and any scheduled hearings. If you have discipline history, prepare full particulars and supporting documents. If a local Alberta lawyer will act as agent or responsible counsel, obtain their consent and contact details. Have government-issued ID available in case verification is requested.

Step 3: Complete your identification details.

• Provide your full legal name as on your law society roll, your home jurisdiction, bar number, year of call, and current practice status. If you hold multiple licenses, list each jurisdiction and your status in each. State your firm or employer name, business address, and preferred contact information. If you will be physically present in Alberta, include a temporary Alberta address and phone number where you can be reached during the permit period.

Step 4: Describe your Alberta work.

• In plain terms, set out the services you will provide. Identify the area of law, the nature of the file, and whether it involves a court, tribunal, arbitration, or transaction. Include the client’s role (for example, plaintiff, defendant, purchaser, vendor, intervenor, owner, contractor, employer). If you will appear in court or before a tribunal, include the style of cause, file number if available, the level of court or tribunal, and the date and nature of the next attendance. Estimate the number of days you will provide services in Alberta during the permit period. Provide the anticipated start and end dates. If there are multiple matters, consider attaching a schedule that lists each matter with its details.

Step 5: Identify local counsel where required.

• If your work involves a forum that expects or requires local counsel, provide the Alberta lawyer’s name, firm, and member number. Describe their role, such as agent of record, co-counsel, or advisor on local procedure. Include a short letter or email from that lawyer confirming their involvement and consent. If your plan does not include local counsel, explain why that is appropriate for your matter.

Step 6: Confirm your entitlement and disclose any issues.

• Answer questions about your current standing. Confirm you hold a full, unrestricted license in your home jurisdiction, or explain any restrictions. Disclose any current complaints, investigations, conditions, or undertakings. Disclose any criminal charges or findings, whether or not related to practice. If you have discipline history, provide dates, outcomes, and steps taken since. Do not minimize or omit. Context and candour are far better than discovery later.

Step 7: Provide insurance details.

• Enter your insurer name, policy number, effective dates, coverage limits, and deductible. Confirm that your policy covers work performed in Alberta or for matters governed by Alberta law. If the policy has territorial exclusions, attach an endorsement or separate proof of coverage for Alberta work. If your home jurisdiction provides mandatory coverage through a program, attach the program confirmation that shows limits and scope. The regulator looks for coverage that is at least comparable to Alberta minimums.

Step 8: Address client money and trust handling.

• Undertake that you will not open or use an Alberta trust account. Describe how you will handle retainers and disbursements. If you will receive funds, confirm they will be received into your home firm’s trust account in accordance with your home rules, or into the trust account of Alberta counsel. If you expect to hold undertakings related to conveyancing or settlements, explain how you will protect those obligations within the limits of a visiting permit. If your work will not involve client funds at all, state that plainly.

Step 9: Account for prior Alberta activity.

• If you have already provided legal services in Alberta this year, list the dates and the total number of days. Include the nature of the work and whether it was under a previous permit or a mobility allowance. This helps the regulator assess whether a permit is appropriate and how long it should run. If you have had a previous visiting permit, provide the permit number or approval date if you have it.

Step 10: Provide consents and undertakings.

• Consent to the exchange of regulatory information between your home regulator and the Alberta regulator. Undertake to comply with Alberta’s code of conduct and practice rules while you act under the permit. Undertake to clearly identify yourself as a visiting lawyer, including your home jurisdiction, in all dealings and materials. Undertake to notify the regulator immediately if your home standing or insurance changes while the permit is in effect.

Step 11: Pay the fee.

• Enter the payment details as required. Confirm the amount and payment method. If your matter is urgent, submit payment promptly so processing can begin without delay. Keep proof of payment.

Step 12: Sign and date the form.

• Read the declaration carefully. It usually confirms that the information is true, complete, and current. Some applications require a witnessed or sworn declaration. If so, arrange for a lawyer, notary, or commissioner of oaths to witness your signature. Sign in the correct place and use your full legal name.

Step 13: Attach schedules and exhibits.

• If you ran out of space in any section, add a schedule. Label each schedule clearly and cross-reference it in the form. Attach your certificate of standing, insurance proof, local counsel consent, and any disciplinary explanations. Number the pages for easy review.

Step 14: Submit the application.

• File the form and attachments using the prescribed method. For urgent hearings, include a brief cover note that lists the hearing date and why the permit is time-sensitive. Keep a complete copy of what you submit.

Step 15: Monitor and respond.

• Watch for requests for clarification. Respond quickly and completely. If a hearing date changes, update the regulator. If your scope of work expands, seek advice on whether an amendment is needed.

What to expect after submission

Straightforward applications often process within a short commercial timeframe. Complex files, foreign licensing, or discipline disclosures can take longer. On approval, you receive written confirmation of your permit with any conditions and an expiry date. Save it to your device and print a copy. Provide a copy to local counsel and keep it available for registries and tribunals. If the permit is refused, review the reasons, address any fixable issues, and consider reapplying.

Your responsibilities after approval

Use the permit only for the authorized work. Track your days and activities in a simple log. Update your email signature and filings to reflect your visiting status and home jurisdiction. Do not open a trust account or advertise for Alberta clients. If your home standing or insurance changes, inform the regulator at once and stop Alberta work until the issue is resolved.

Extending or renewing

If your matter continues beyond the permit period, apply for an extension before the expiry date. Provide an updated work plan and any new hearing dates. If your role shifts to a different matter, submit a new application aligned with the new scope.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Do not submit without current proof of standing and insurance.
• Do not under-describe your Alberta work; reviewers need enough detail.
• Do not assume you can handle client trust funds directly in Alberta.
• Do not gloss over discipline history.
• Do not miss the need for local counsel where a forum expects it.
• Do not leave the application to the last minute. Build a buffer for questions and approvals.

A well-prepared Form 2-22 helps you start fast and work confidently. Your client benefits from continuity, the court or tribunal knows your status, and you meet your professional obligations. Fill it out with care, provide clear attachments, and keep your permit handy once approved.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• You will see “visiting lawyer” throughout the form. It means you are licensed elsewhere, not in Alberta. You want a time-limited permit to deliver legal services in Alberta.
• “Permit” is the temporary authorization to practice in Alberta. The form asks who you are, what you will do, and for how long. Approval gives you conditions. You must follow them.
• “Home jurisdiction” is where you are licensed now. The form asks for your bar number and status there. “Good standing” means you are current on fees and not suspended. You may need proof of good standing. Be ready to attach it if requested.
• “Host jurisdiction” is Alberta for this permit. You agree to follow local rules while you work here. The form includes an undertaking to comply. Read that part carefully before you sign.
• “Professional liability insurance” covers claims from legal work. You must confirm you carry insurance that meets local standards. The form may ask for insurer details and coverage limits. Keep your certificate handy.
• “Trust money” means funds you hold for clients. Alberta has strict trust rules. The form may ask if you will handle trust money. If you will, you must explain how you will do it properly. If you will not, say so.
• “Scope of services” describes what work you will do in Alberta. The form asks for matter type and tasks. Be specific. Say if it involves a court, tribunal, or a deal. Include file names or numbers if you have them.
• “Duration” is the time you plan to work in Alberta. The form requests expected dates or days of activity. Your permit will match that timeline. Overstaying can trigger consequences. Plan your calendar honestly.
• “Disciplinary history” means past findings, charges, or ongoing investigations. You must disclose these. The form will ask direct questions. Answer fully. Provide explanations and documents if needed.
• “Consent to jurisdiction” means you accept Alberta oversight while you work here. The form includes a consent section. You allow the regulator to contact your home regulator. You also accept local complaints handling if issues arise.

FAQs

Do you need a permit for a single court appearance in Alberta?

If you are not called in Alberta, you usually need permission to appear. Some activity thresholds or exemptions may exist. However, you should assume a permit is required unless clearly exempt. Check your dates and get the permit before you act.

Do you have to show proof of insurance with the application?

Yes, you must confirm coverage is in place. You may need to provide your insurer name, policy number, and limits. If your home policy does not meet local standards, arrange adequate coverage before you apply.

Do you need a sponsoring or local lawyer to apply?

Not always, but many matters run smoother with a local contact. Some courts or matters expect a local agent. If required, the form will ask for that person’s details. Even if not required, listing a local point of contact can help.

Do you have to disclose complaints or discipline from your home jurisdiction?

Yes. Disclose any findings, undertakings, or open files. Explain the status and outcome. A clean record helps, but disclosure is more important than perfection. Non-disclosure can lead to refusal or later discipline.

Do you need to track your days working in Alberta?

Yes. The regulator may ask how long you worked here. Track all Alberta-related work days, including travel tied to the matter. Include court time, client meetings, and other in-province work. Keep a simple log.

How long does processing take?

Timelines vary. It often depends on the completeness of your application. You can speed things up by submitting all documents, paying fees promptly, and responding fast to questions. Build in buffer time before your first Alberta task.

Can you amend your permit if the matter expands?

Often, yes. If dates or scope change, you should notify the regulator. Some changes require a new permit or a formal amendment. Do not work outside your approved scope. Seek an update before you proceed.

Do you need to open a local trust account?

Only if you will hold trust money in Alberta. If you can avoid holding funds, do so. If you must hold trust funds, you must follow local trust requirements. That may include local accounting, approvals, and reporting. State your plan in the form.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the Form 2-22 – Application by Visiting Lawyer for a Permit

Before signing

• Confirm your goals. Define the Alberta tasks, venue, and expected timeline.
• Gather identification. Have a government ID to verify your identity if requested.
• Get a current good-standing letter. Confirm it shows no suspensions or arrears.
• Compile bar details. List all jurisdictions where you are licensed, with bar numbers.
• Verify insurance. Have your certificate showing insurer, policy number, and limits.
• Prepare matter details. Client name, file number, and brief description of services.
• Court or tribunal info. Include style of cause and file number if applicable.
• Prior Alberta activity. Count days already worked in Alberta this year.
• Conflicts check. Clear conflicts for the Alberta matter and opposing parties.
• Trust planning. Decide if you will hold trust money. If yes, outline how.
• Local contact. Identify a local agent or co-counsel if required or helpful.
• Payment method. Confirm how you will pay the application fee.
• Disciplinary disclosure. Summarize any history, and collect supporting documents.
• Contact authorizations. Be ready to authorize the regulator to contact your home regulator.
• Internal approvals. Secure firm sign-off on scope, rates, and travel.

During signing

• Legal name accuracy. Match your ID and your home regulator records.
• Business addresses. Provide correct office and mailing addresses.
• Jurisdictions of admission. List each jurisdiction, dates, and status.
• Insurance details. Confirm coverage meets local standards and is active.
• Matter scope. Describe work clearly. Avoid vague or overly broad statements.
• Dates and duration. Enter realistic start and end dates, or expected days.
• Disciplinary answers. Answer yes/no accurately, with clear explanations if yes.
• Undertakings. Read and accept the compliance and reporting obligations.
• Consent clauses. Confirm you consent to information exchange and oversight.
• Attachments. Add required documents in the requested format.
• Declarations. Ensure you understand all declarations before you sign.
• Fee confirmation. Verify fee amount and payment details are correct.

After signing

• File the application. Submit through the approved channel with payment.
• Confirm receipt. Save the submission confirmation or receipt number.
• Respond to queries. Watch your email and phone for follow-up questions.
• Recordkeeping. Save a complete copy of the application and attachments.
• Calendar key dates. Diary expected approval date and the permit expiry.
• Pause work. Do not start Alberta work until approval is confirmed.
• Notify your team. Tell relevant colleagues and support staff about limits and dates.
• Update the client. Share expected timeline and any conditions on your role.
• Note courtroom needs. If a court appearance is planned, confirm hearing protocols.
• Billing setup. Add a timekeeper code for Alberta work and track days precisely.
• Trust plan check. If handling funds, ensure local trust steps are in place.
• Secure storage. Store the permit, once received, in the matter file and your profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating the duration of work

• Consequence: Your permit may not cover all activity. You risk non-compliance or urgent amendments.
• Tip: Add a buffer. Don’t forget travel delays, adjournments, or extended negotiations.

Incomplete insurance information

• Consequence: Processing delays or refusal if coverage seems unclear or inadequate.
• Tip: Include insurer name, policy number, limits, and effective dates. Provide endorsements if relevant.

Vague scope descriptions

• Consequence: Questions from the regulator and possible restrictions on activity.
• Tip: State the matter type, venue, and expected tasks. Include file or case references if you can.

Failure to disclose disciplinary history

• Consequence: Refusal, or worse, discipline for non-disclosure.
• Tip: Disclose fully and explain context. Attach orders, letters, or resolutions if needed.

Not tracking prior Alberta days

• Consequence: You may exceed permitted activity without realizing it.
• Tip: Keep a dated log of Alberta work. Count meetings, hearings, and travel tied to the matter.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

Submit and pay

• File the completed form using the required submission process. Pay the fee in full.
• Save the confirmation. Keep a timestamp and any transaction ID.

Monitor and respond

• Watch for follow-up questions. Respond quickly with clear information.
• If more documents are requested, send them in the format asked.

Receive and review the permit

• Check the permit dates, scope, and any conditions. Make sure they match your plan.
• If anything is wrong or missing, request a correction before you start.

Notify key parties

• Client: Confirm approval, scope, and any limits or conditions.
• Opposing counsel: If appropriate, confirm your role and contact details.
• Court or tribunal: If needed, file or show the permit before your appearance.
• Local counsel: Share the permit so they can coordinate filings or service.

Start work within scope

• Begin only after approval. Work only within the permitted scope and dates.
• Keep your permit accessible. Carry a copy to court and client meetings.

Track days and work

• Log all Alberta-related work days. Include hearings, meetings, and travel tied to the matter.
• Track tasks aligned with the approved scope. Avoid creep beyond the permit.

Manage trust and billing

• If holding funds, follow all trust requirements. Keep ledger and receipts in order.
• Use clear billing narratives that show Alberta work. This helps with any audit.

Handle changes and extensions

• If dates or scope change, seek an amendment or new permit before continuing.
• If the matter ends early, close out and note unused time for your records.

Close the file properly

• At the end, confirm no further Alberta work remains.
• Store the permit, application, and correspondence in your file.
• Update your log of Alberta days worked for the year.

Internal debrief

• Note any issues with timing or documentation. Adjust your internal checklist.
• Share lessons with your team to improve the next application.