Solicitors Act, 1954

Exemptions (reciprocal provisions.).

44.—(1) In this section “corresponding certificate” means a certificate issued by the Incorporated Law Society of Northern Ireland and corresponding to a practising certificate.

(2) This section applies to a person—

(a) who proposes to become a solicitor, and

(b) who, during a continuous period of three years or longer, has held corresponding certificates.

(3) The following provisions shall have effect in relation to a person to whom this section applies:—

(a) he shall not be required to obtain a certificate of his having passed any examination of the Society other than an examination to ascertain whether he has an adequate knowledge of the legislation in force in the State and (if obligatory on him) the second examination in the Irish language;

(b) in order to present himself for the examination to ascertain whether he has an adequate knowledge of the legislation in force in the State, it shall be necessary for him to be the holder of a corresponding certificate, but he shall be entitled to present himself for that examination without being bound or serving as an apprentice;

(c) on passing that examination and (if obligatory on him) the second examination in the Irish language, he shall be entitled to apply to be admitted and enrolled as a solicitor.

(4) The Government may by order appoint a day for the coming into operation of the provisions of this section, being a day on which the Government are satisfied that reciprocal provisions will be in operation in relation to solicitors holding practising certificates.