The Scheme has been placed with Aviva and the following conditions apply:

• The scheme provides cover of €62,500.

• Cover is only operative where the insured is under 70 years of age at the date of death.

• The scheme allows for ‘days of grace’ between 1 January and 1 February 2024 for those covered by the scheme on 31 December 2023, that is, during the Practising Certificate renewal period.

• Any pay-out under the scheme forms an asset in the deceased's estate.

Group Life Assurance for Practising Certificate holders

Membership of the group life assurance scheme is provided as part of a practising certificate and the annual scheme premium of €64 is included in the practising certificate fee for 2024.

Group Life Assurance for those without a Practising Certificate

If you are a solicitor in full-time service of the State, a Judge or county register and are under 70 years of age, you can apply to join the scheme as per the following payment option and conditions:

1. Fill in an assessment form and Health Declaration form – to obtain a copy of these forms contact the grouplifescheme@lawsociety.ie and return the forms directly to grouprenewals@aviva.com

2. Ensure that your Law Society membership is current – check or renew membership online

3. Pay the premium of €64 by the first week of February 2024 – to arrange payment of the premium contact pc@lawsociety.ie

If you obtained group life assurance in the previous practice year and you wish to renew in the current year you can obtain assurance membership alongside your yearly Law Society membership before the first week of February 2024.

If you are not a current member of the scheme; and did not hold membership of the scheme in the last practice year you are considered a new member seeking to join the scheme.

Any solicitor who does not hold a practising certificate or is not in full-time service of the State, or not a judge or county registrar is not eligible to join the scheme.

When are Health Declaration Forms necessary?

The requirement to fill in a health declaration form is only required in the year of first membership - once you a member of the Scheme, you can then renew your membership before 1 February of each year.

Once you have completed the Health Declaration form and assessment and provided it to Aviva it will be reviewed by their team and Aviva will contact you directly to confirm if you are eligible for the Scheme. If Aviva confirm you are not eligible to join the scheme the Law Society will reimburse any premiums paid.

Further information

If you have a query about a practising certificate or membership application, please email pc@lawsociety.ie.

Claims should be notified to grouplifescheme@lawsociety.ie.