Am I due a refund of the Practising Certificate Fee if I cease practice?

You are entitled to a pro rata refund of the Practising Certificate Fee (PCF) if:

· you elect to cease or suspend practice during the first three months of the relevant practising certificate year;

· take parental leave anytime during the year;

· have a medical condition that prevents you from practising;

If you have a change in status that prevents you from being able to practise, you are required to notify the BSB within 28 days of that event.

The Bar Council can backdate a refund by up to 28 days to the date of the event. To claim a refund, you must notify Bar Council of the change of status either online or in writing (email preferred) and provide appropriate documentation and evidence to support the claim.

Where notification takes place more than 28 days later than the event, the refund will apply from the date of notification rather than the date of change.

The Bar Council will make a refund, using the same method as was used for the original payment, within 14 days of notification of the change.

Parental Leave

If you choose to suspend your practice to take parental (maternity or paternity) leave at any time in the year, you will be eligible for a pro rata refund of PCF, subject to notification within 28 days. No refund is available for the BRF or the Advocate donation.