DM146867 – Application for Non-Practising Membership for Reinstating Members

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province or State: British Columbia

What is a DM146867 – Application for Non-Practising Membership for Reinstating Members?

This form lets you rejoin the provincial legal regulator as a non-practising member. You use it if you were previously a member, your membership ended or was cancelled, and you now want to return in a non-practising class. Non-practising membership means you keep your professional standing and connection to the regulator. You do not hold a practising certificate and you do not provide legal services that require one.

Who typically uses this form?

Former members who stepped away from active practice for any reason. That includes lawyers who resigned, allowed their membership to lapse, or moved outside the province. It also includes members who held practising status in the past and want to return without practising. In some cases, suspended members who have completed their conditions may also apply to reinstate, but review is stricter and timelines are longer.

Why would you need this form?

You may want to maintain your standing, vote rights if applicable, and access to member communications. You might be moving into a legal-adjacent role that does not require a practising certificate. You could be on parental leave, taking a career break, or preparing for retirement. You might be practising in another jurisdiction and want to keep a foothold in this province. Non-practising status also avoids the cost and obligations tied to professional liability insurance. You must not provide legal services to the public in this status.

Typical usage scenarios

• You left practice to work as in-house compliance, policy, or education. You want to keep membership but not practise. You use this form to reinstate as non-practising.
• You moved to another province or country and hold a licence there. You still value your provincial membership here for recognition. You use this form to return as non-practising while you work elsewhere.
• You are pausing your career for health, family, or study. You want to keep your member record active but without practice obligations. You use this form to reinstate as non-practising.
• You are winding down to retirement. You want to stay connected to the profession, but you will not provide legal services. You use this form to return as non-practising and confirm you will not practise.

In all cases, this form captures your identity, membership history, conduct disclosures, and your promise not to practise. It also authorizes the regulator to run checks needed for a reinstatement decision. Approval allows you to call yourself a non-practising member, subject to the regulator’s rules on titles and public representation.

When Would You Use a DM146867 – Application for Non-Practising Membership for Reinstating Members?

You use this form when you are returning to membership from a non-member status and you do not want to practise. If you are already a current member and only want to move from practising to non-practising, there is a different process. This form is aimed at reinstating former members.

Consider a lawyer who resigned three years ago to work in a policy role. They now want to rejoin the regulator, but they do not intend to appear in court, advise clients, or open a trust account. They would use this form to apply for non-practising membership upon reinstatement. Another example is a lawyer who moved abroad and became licensed elsewhere. They want to maintain standing in this province without duplicative insurance. They would use this form. A third example is a lawyer who let their membership lapse after not paying fees and now wants to return in a non-practising class. They would use this form and address any unpaid assessments first.

Typical users

• Former private-practice lawyers
• Former in-house counsel
• Academics who previously held practising status
• Former non-practising members whose membership ended entirely and who now wish to return to non-practising.

If you were suspended or had conditions, you may still use this form, but you should expect a more detailed review. You must disclose the full circumstances so the regulator can decide on reinstatement and any terms.

The form is not for law students, articled students, or new licensees. It is also not for active out-of-province lawyers seeking temporary practice permissions. It has a single purpose: reinstating you to membership in a non-practising class. Use it when you want the credential and connection, but you will not deliver legal services that require a practising certificate.

Legal Characteristics of the DM146867 – Application for Non-Practising Membership for Reinstating Members

The application is legally significant because it is a formal request to a statutory regulator. When you sign, you make declarations that must be truthful and complete. The regulator relies on those declarations to decide whether to reinstate you and under what terms. Your signature is your legal acknowledgment that you will not practise law while you hold non-practising status. It is also your consent for the regulator to collect and share information needed to verify your eligibility.

Is it legally binding?

Yes. Several parts create binding obligations. First, your acknowledgments and undertakings are contractual in nature between you and the regulator. Second, the professional conduct framework treats false or misleading statements as potential misconduct. Third, the regulator’s rules require you to comply with membership conditions, including title use and practice restrictions. Breaching those conditions can lead to discipline, refusal of future applications, or other regulatory action.

What ensures enforceability?

Your signed declarations, the regulator’s statutory powers, and the conditions of membership. The form typically includes an authorization that lets the regulator obtain certificates of standing, criminal record checks, and other verifications. It also includes a clear statement that you will not engage in the practice of law. Once approved, your membership class and conditions are recorded. If you misrepresent facts or later practise while non-practising, the regulator can investigate and act. If the form includes a statutory declaration, it carries added legal weight. False statements under oath can trigger separate consequences.

General legal considerations fall into a few themes. First, you must be candid about your history. This includes discipline, insurance claims, civil judgments, bankruptcies, criminal charges, or regulatory investigations anywhere. Second, you must resolve unpaid fees or trust audit issues from your prior tenure before approval. Third, you must understand the scope of “practice of law.” You cannot give legal advice to the public for a fee or without one. You cannot draw pleadings, negotiate settlements for clients, hold out as entitled to practise, or handle trust funds. Related corporate or policy roles may be fine, but you must not cross the practice line. If you wish to return to practising later, you will need a separate approval, insurance, and conditions may apply.

Finally, the regulator controls whether to approve a reinstatement, and may impose terms. Examples include completion of ethics courses, supervision periods if you later return to practice, or proof of good standing from other regulators. You should treat the process as a professional licensing decision, not a mere administrative update.

How to Fill Out a DM146867 – Application for Non-Practising Membership for Reinstating Members

Follow these steps. Prepare first, then complete each section carefully. Use clear, factual answers. If a question does not fit your situation, explain why.

1) Confirm you are applying for the right status

• This form is for reinstatement to non-practising membership.
• If you are a current member wanting to switch classes, use the change-of-status process instead.
• If you seek practising status, use the practising reinstatement application.

2) Gather required documents

• Identity and contact: government-issued ID, your former member number, current contact details.
• Membership history: dates you first became a member, when you ceased, and why.
• Certificates of standing: arrange for each regulator you belong to or belonged to in the past five years to send a certificate directly to the provincial regulator. Include every jurisdiction where you held a legal or related licence.
• Employment history: a current résumé or a chronology of your activities since you ceased membership here. Include any legal, policy, academic, or business roles.
• Conduct disclosures: documents explaining any “yes” answers about discipline, charges, convictions, civil claims, judgments, bankruptcies, consumer proposals, tax arrears, or regulatory investigations.
• Trust and practice wrap-up: if you practised here before, collect proof that you closed trust accounts, reconciled trust funds, completed required filings, and addressed client file transfers and undertakings.
• Name change: supporting documents if your legal name has changed.
• Character references: if the form requires references, choose referees who have known you in a professional capacity recently. Give them clear instructions and timelines.
• Criminal record check: be prepared to complete an authorization or e-check if required during processing.
• Payment method: confirm the current reinstatement fee and non-practising annual fee and have your payment details ready.

3) Complete the Applicant Information section

• Provide your full legal name and any former names.
• Include your former member number and dates of prior membership.
• List all current addresses, including a mailing address and an address for publication if different.
• Supply direct contact details that you monitor, such as email and phone. You must keep these current after approval.

4) Membership History and Current Status

• State when and why your membership ended. Be factual and brief. Examples include resignation, lapsed for non-payment, or moved out of province.
• Disclose all other legal or regulatory memberships current or past. Provide dates and status for each.
• If you were suspended or resigned with conditions, attach the decision or order and a summary of conditions and your compliance.

5) Non-Practising Acknowledgment

• Read the definition of non-practising status on the form. Confirm you will not practise law.
• Acknowledge that you will not:
• provide legal services to the public,
• hold yourself out as able to practise,
• appear as counsel, or
• handle trust funds.
• Confirm you will use the correct title or notation to indicate non-practising status in any public profile or signature.

6) Employment and Activities

• Describe your current and planned role. Make clear if it is law-related but not the practice of law. Examples include compliance, policy, teaching, legal operations, or business roles.
• State whether you will have any involvement with legal matters. If yes, explain how you will avoid practising. Be specific about supervision, role boundaries, and the absence of client representation.

7) Good Character and Fitness Declarations

• Answer every question about conduct, charges, convictions, civil actions, regulatory complaints, professional negligence claims, trust shortages, or financial events.
• For each “yes,” attach a concise statement with dates, facts, outcomes, and your current status. Include supporting documents such as court records, orders, discharge certificates, or settlement agreements.
• Do not guess. If you do not recall details, say so and describe how you will obtain records. The regulator may request more information.

8) Outstanding Obligations and Conditions

• Confirm you have no unpaid fees, insurance assessments, penalties, or costs from your prior membership here. If you do, arrange payment or a plan before submission and include proof.
• If you had a trust account, attach confirmation of closure and final reconciliations; include the period covered and to whom residual balances were paid.
• List any outstanding undertakings from your prior practice and how you fulfilled them. If any remain, explain steps and timelines to discharge them.

9) Education, CPD, and Return-to-Practice Plans (if relevant)

• If you plan to return to practising status later, state that intention and your plan to meet any education or currency requirements when you apply. This is not an approval step, but it helps the regulator understand your trajectory.
• If you have been out of practice for several years, outline how you have maintained competence, even if not required for non-practising status.

10) Authorization and Consent

• Review the privacy and consent language. You will authorize the regulator to contact other regulators, employers, and public bodies to verify your information.
• Consent to a criminal record check if required. Provide any additional identity information needed for that process.

11) Fees and Payment

• Confirm the total you must pay on submission. This may include a reinstatement fee, non-practising annual fee (prorated if applicable), and taxes.
• Provide payment details exactly as requested on the form. If a separate payment authorization is required, complete and sign it.

12) Attachments and Schedules

• Prepare a schedule for each disclosure topic to keep the main form concise. Common schedules include:
• Schedule A: Certificates of standing requested/sent.
• Schedule B: Employment and activity chronology.
• Schedule C: Conduct disclosures with documents indexed.
• Schedule D: Trust account closure and undertakings discharge.
• Schedule E: Name change documents.
• Label each schedule clearly. Reference them in your answers by schedule and page number. Number pages consecutively.

13) Review and Quality Check

• Re-read every declaration and ensure your answers are consistent across sections and schedules.
• Check dates, names, and file numbers against your documents.
• Confirm all required fields are complete and every signature line is signed and dated.

14) Signatures and, if required, Commissioning

• Sign and date the application. Use your legal name.
• If the form contains a statutory declaration, sign in front of a commissioner, notary, or other authorized person. Bring ID. Ensure the commissioner completes their portion fully.
• If a separate authorization release is included, sign and date as instructed.

15) Submit the Application

• Submit by the method stated on the form. Options may include secure portal, email, courier, or mail.
• If any third parties must send documents directly (for example, certificates of standing), request those early. Note expected delivery dates in your Schedule A.
• Keep copies of everything you submit. Save confirmation of receipt.

16) After Submission: What to Expect

• Processing times vary with the completeness of your file and the need for external checks. Plan for several weeks.
• Respond promptly to any follow-up requests. Delays often stem from missing certificates, unclear disclosures, or unpaid balances.
• Do not hold yourself out as a member until you receive written confirmation of reinstatement and the effective date.

17) Approval, Effective Date, and Next Steps

• On approval, you will receive confirmation of your non-practising membership class and the effective date.
• Update your professional profiles and email signature to include “non-practising” as required.
• Ensure your contact information remains current. Watch for annual declarations and fees to keep your status active.
• If you later decide to return to practising status, you must submit a separate application, meet insurance and any competence requirements, and wait for approval before practising.

Practical tips to avoid delays

• Disclose more rather than less. Omissions lead to follow-up, not faster approval.
• Ask other regulators to send certificates of standing directly. Most will not give them to you to forward.
• If you had any trust activity, include clear evidence of closure and reconciliation. This is a common hold-up.
• Use schedules to keep explanations organized. Headings and timelines help reviewers quickly understand your file.
• If your membership ended due to non-payment, include proof that all arrears are paid or addressed.

Understanding what you are agreeing to is essential. As a non-practising member, you cannot represent clients, give legal advice to the public, or handle client money. You keep a professional connection and identity, but without the rights of practice. This form makes that arrangement official and enforceable. Fill it carefully, be candid, and submit a complete package the first time. That approach shortens review time and sets you up for a smooth reinstatement.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Non‑practising member: This status means you remain a member but you cannot provide legal services or give legal advice. On DM146867, you confirm you understand these limits and you agree to them in writing. You keep your connection to the profession, but you do not act for clients.
• Reinstating member: You previously left or changed your status and now want to return as a non‑practising member. The form asks about your prior status and dates so the regulator can verify you qualify for reinstatement.
• Good standing: This means you have no unpaid fees, unresolved discipline, or other compliance issues. DM146867 asks about outstanding obligations because the regulator will not approve reinstatement unless you are, or can be brought, into good standing.
• Undertaking: An undertaking is a formal promise. In this form, you undertake not to practise law while non‑practising. If you break that promise, you risk regulatory action. Read that section carefully and sign only if you accept the commitment.
• Declaration: Your signature confirms the information is true and complete. A false declaration can lead to refusal, discipline, or future barriers to returning to practising status. DM146867 includes a declaration near the end; review it before you sign.
• Professional liability insurance: This insurance covers practising lawyers for claims by clients. As a non‑practising member, you do not carry it and you cannot act for clients. The form highlights this so you understand the risk of giving advice while uninsured.
• Trust funds and trust accounts: Handling client money is tightly controlled. Non‑practising members must not receive or manage trust funds. If you have any connection to a trust account, the form requires you to confirm closure or removal of your signing authority.
• Continuing education or competence requirements: Some regulators impose basic ongoing obligations even for non‑practising members, and may set conditions if you later return to practice. DM146867 may ask about recent education or competence activities to help plan any return‑to‑practice steps.
• Disciplinary history and investigations: You must disclose any past or current investigations, charges, or sanctions, including outside your home jurisdiction if applicable. The form asks direct questions so the regulator can assess suitability for reinstatement.
• Consent to information checks: By applying, you consent to the regulator verifying your information with third parties. DM146867 includes a consent or authorization clause that allows background checks, record reviews, and confirmation of status elsewhere if relevant.

FAQs

Do you need to be a current member to apply with DM146867?

No. DM146867 is designed for people who previously held membership and now want to return as non‑practising. You will need your old member number, your admission and status history, and confirmation you have met any outstanding requirements.

Do you pay fees when you reinstate as non‑practising?

Yes. Non‑practising fees are typically lower than practising fees, but the form is not complete without payment. You may be charged an application or reinstatement fee as well. Some regulators prorate annual fees by month. If you are transitioning mid‑year, ask whether proration applies before you submit.

Can you give legal advice while non‑practising?

No. Non‑practising means you cannot provide legal services, appear for clients, or advise the public as a lawyer. You can engage in activities that are not legal services, such as teaching, writing, policy work, or roles that do not involve advising clients. When in doubt, do not advise until you hold practising status.

Do you need professional liability insurance while non‑practising?

No. Non‑practising members do not carry professional liability insurance and cannot act for clients. This is one reason you must not provide legal advice while in this category. If your role involves any risk of the public relying on your legal expertise, pause and re‑assess your status.

Will the regulator ask for documents beyond DM146867?

Possibly. You may be asked for proof of identity, a name‑change document, evidence you closed trust accounts, a current résumé, or letters addressing any past disciplinary or fitness issues. Provide what is requested promptly to avoid delays.

How long does reinstatement to non‑practising status take?

Processing time depends on the completeness of your form, whether you have outstanding fees or disclosures, and whether the regulator needs further checks. Routine applications often resolve within weeks. Complex files or disclosures can take longer. Your status changes only when you receive written confirmation.

Can you return to practising after you reinstate as non‑practising?

Yes. You can later apply to change to practising status. Expect to meet current practising requirements at that time. You may need to complete recent education, show competence, obtain insurance, and satisfy any other conditions that apply when you apply to practise.

Do you need to update your employer, clients, or public profiles?

Yes. You must not hold yourself out as a practising lawyer. Update your email signature, website, social profiles, and voicemail to reflect non‑practising status. Tell your employer and any affected stakeholders so there is no confusion about your role.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the DM146867 – Application for Non-Practising Membership for Reinstating Members

Before you sign

Confirm your prior membership details

• Member number.
• Original admission date and jurisdiction.
• Dates and reasons for your prior status change (resignation, suspension, inactive, or non‑practising).

Gather identification documents

• Government‑issued photo ID.
• Name‑change certificate, if applicable.

Resolve outstanding obligations

• Unpaid fees, levies, or penalties.
• Any trust account closures or signatory removals.
• Returns or reports that are past due.

Prepare disclosure information

• Any discipline, complaints, investigations, or charges since you last held status.
• Any professional licences held elsewhere and your standing there.
• Civil judgments or bankruptcy events that require reporting.

Collect employment and contact details

• Current residential and mailing addresses.
• Preferred email and phone.
• Current employer or role description, if applicable.

Payment method ready

• Know the correct fee category for non‑practising reinstatement.
• Set up the exact amount needed and method accepted by the form.

Plan your effective date

• Choose a target date when you will stop any practice activities.
• Coordinate role changes, insurance cancellation, and communications.

During signing

Verify identity and personal information

• Full legal name matches your ID.
• All addresses and contact details are current.
• Previous member number and admission date are accurate.

Check status selections

• You selected “Non‑Practising” for reinstatement.
• Your requested effective date is realistic and consistent with your plans.

Review undertakings and declarations

• Ensure you understand the non‑practising restrictions.
• Confirm you will not provide legal services or handle trust funds.
• Read the consent to checks and agree to it only if accurate.

Complete all disclosure questions

• Answer each question; do not leave required fields blank.
• Provide dates, outcomes, and brief explanations where requested.

Attach required documents

• Proof of identity and name change, if relevant.
• Any letters or supporting documents for disclosures.
• Evidence of trust account closure or removal of signing authority.

Confirm fee payment

• Correct fee amount for reinstatement to non‑practising.
• Payment details entered as instructed on the form.

Sign and date correctly

• Use the signature format requested (wet ink or approved digital).
• Initial any pages that require initialing.
• Ensure the date is consistent across all pages.

After signing

File the form

• Submit through the approved channel stated on DM146867.
• Include all attachments and proof of payment.
• Keep a timestamp or submission confirmation for your records.

Pause any legal work

• Do not provide legal services until you receive written approval of your non‑practising status.
• If you are already non‑practising, continue to follow the restrictions.

Monitor your email and mail

• Watch for requests for more information and respond quickly.
• Track your confirmation of reinstatement and effective date.

Update your professional footprint

• Adjust your title and signature block to show non‑practising status.
• Update your website, profiles, and voicemail.
• Notify your employer, colleagues, and any stakeholders who need to know.

Store your records

• Save a copy of DM146867, attachments, and confirmations.
• Keep proof of trust account actions and fee payments.
• Calendar key dates like renewals and reporting deadlines.

Plan for future changes

• If you may return to practising, note what conditions you will need to meet.
• Keep a simple log of any education activities you complete while non‑practising.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in DM146867 – Application for Non-Practising Membership for Reinstating Members

• Leaving disclosure questions blank. Don’t forget to answer every required question, even if the answer is “No.” Missing disclosures cause delays and can raise concerns about candour.
• Selecting the wrong status or date. Don’t mis‑select “Practising” or pick an effective date that conflicts with your current activities. Wrong selections can trigger fee issues or require re‑filing.
• Assuming you can still advise informally. Don’t provide legal advice “off the record” while non‑practising. Doing so may be unauthorized practice and can lead to complaints or discipline.
• Skipping proof of trust account changes. Don’t overlook closing or removing your authority on any trust account. Failing to do so can stall approval and create compliance risk.
• Using an outdated form or missing payment. Don’t submit an old version or omit the correct fee. Incomplete or unpaid applications are often returned without processing.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form DM146867 – Application for Non-Practising Membership for Reinstating Members

File the application

• Submit DM146867 using the method stated on the form. Include all attachments and payment. Keep evidence of submission, such as a receipt or confirmation screen.
• If you realize you omitted something, send the missing item promptly with a clear reference to your application.

Pause practice activities

• Stop any client‑facing legal work until you receive written confirmation of your non‑practising reinstatement. If you have active matters, arrange transfers or supervision under a practising lawyer as needed.
• Remove your signing authority from any trust account and finalize any returns or reports tied to your prior status.

Respond to follow‑ups

• Watch for requests for further information. Provide complete answers with dates and supporting documents. Delays usually occur when responses are partial or unclear.
• If you disclosed complex issues, consider preparing a concise chronology and summary to streamline the review.

Confirm your new status

• When you receive approval, check the effective date and the exact status description. Make sure it aligns with your communications and internal records.
• If there is an error in your information, request a correction in writing with supporting evidence.

Update your public profile and communications

• Adjust your title to include “Non‑Practising.” Remove any language that suggests you are available to advise or represent clients.
• Update business cards, email signatures, website bios, social profiles, and voicemail. Consistency reduces the risk of misunderstandings.

Notify key stakeholders

• Tell your employer, HR, and compliance teams about your status and effective date.
• If you previously acted for clients, send clear notices explaining that you cannot provide legal services while non‑practising and, if appropriate, offer referral options.

Recordkeeping and retention

• Keep a complete file: the signed DM146867, all attachments, payment proof, correspondence, and the approval notice.
• Store documents securely. Keep a quick reference note of your effective date, any conditions, and your next renewal deadline.

Plan your path forward

• If you expect to return to practising, keep a light log of your professional activities, training, or reading. This can support future competence steps.
• Note any conditions or requirements that may apply when you move back to practising, so you can plan ahead.

If your application is delayed or refused

• Ask for a clear explanation of what is missing or why it was refused. Provide the requested information or corrections promptly.
• If you disagree with a decision, follow the process described in the decision letter. Keep communications factual and organized.

Amendments after filing

• If your contact, employment, or disclosure information changes after you file, notify the regulator in writing. Reference your application and provide updated details with the effective date.
• If changes are material, expect the review timeline to reset while the new information is assessed.

Renewals and ongoing obligations

• Non‑practising members usually must renew annually and keep contact details up to date. Calendar renewal reminders and set time aside to complete them.
• If you hold licences elsewhere, keep their records aligned with your current status and ensure you meet all reporting duties.