Norwegian Finanstilsynet has published correspondence with the Lawyer Supervisory Authority (Advokattilsynet) on how the Lawyer Act, effective 1 January 2025, affects employees in real estate brokerage firms who serve as responsible broker or professional manager on the basis of a previously issued “passive” advocate licence. Advokattilsynet’s view is that these individuals must apply for and be issued an advocate licence under the new Lawyer Act. The letter explains that “passive” or “dormant” advocate licences were possible under the previous regime because an applicant did not need to actually practise as a lawyer. It notes there are no specific transitional rules for those who held a passive licence when the new Act entered into force, and that only those practising as a lawyer now hold an advocate licence, meaning former passive licence holders must apply for a new licence when starting legal practice. For employees in real estate brokerage firms, Advokattilsynet indicates a simplified application route for a new licence linked to the brokerage firm, requiring an extended criminal record certificate, separate security as an advocate, and payment of contributions to Advokattilsynet and Advokatnemnda; the relevant organisational arrangement is stated to apply for three years.
Norwegian Finanstilsynet 2025-05-26
Norwegian Finanstilsynet publishes guidance requiring renewed advocate licences for real estate brokerage managers previously holding passive licences
Norwegian Finanstilsynet released correspondence with the Lawyer Supervisory Authority about the Lawyer Act's impact, effective 1 January 2025, on real estate brokerage employees with "passive" advocate licences. Advokattilsynet requires them to apply for a new advocate licence under the new Act, with a simplified process linked to their brokerage firm. This includes an extended criminal record certificate, separate security as an advocate, and contributions to Advokattilsynet and Advokatnemnda for three years.