A retired member is not allowed to practice law or handle trust funds. “Practice of law” means applying legal principles and procedures for the benefit of or at the request of another person, and includes

(a) acting as counsel or advocate,
(b) providing legal services,
(c) issuing an originating notice of action, notice of application, notice of motion, petition or similar document in any legal proceeding according to the provisions of any statute,
(d) preparing

(i) an instrument relating to real or personal estate permitted or required to be registered, recorded or filed in a public office,
(ii) a pleading, affidavit, statutory declaration or other similar written material for use in any legal proceeding,
(iii) a petition, letters patent, memorandum of agreement, affidavit, by-law or another document relating to the incorporation, formation, registration, organization, reorganization, amalgamation, dissolution or winding up of a partnership or body corporate,
(iv) a testamentary instrument,
(v) a document on which to found or oppose a grant of letters testamentary, letters probate or letters of administration, or
(vi) a petition or other document relating to matters under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, or

(e) giving legal advice,
(f) negotiating and settling claims in a legal proceeding.

A member who

1. is fifty-five years of age,
2. is permanently retired from the practice of law, and
3. is a member in good standing,

may be registered as a retired member of the Society.

In order to apply for retired status, you must submit the following:

• Form 14A Application for Change of Status to Non-Practising, Retired or to Resign Membership

Members who paid their membership dues for the current Law Society year at the practising or non-practising rate will receive a prorated refund of their membership fees.

No, retired members are not subject to the CPD requirements.

No, the Canadian Bar Association fee is not mandatory for retired members. If you wish to continue your CBA membership, contact the CBA directly at 1-800-267-8860.

If you have any questions about retired status, please contact the Membership Coordinator.