I have just attained my LLBS degree and transcript from a foreign university, what's next?
The first step in converting a foreign LLBS qualification in order for one to be registered as a legal practitioner in Zimbabwe is to approach the Council for Legal Education. You can go to the Contact US page to see the Council’s contact details.
How is my degree Designated or converted?
You have to make an application to the Council indicating your intention to have your degree evaluated for purposes of designation and also indicate your intention to sit for the conversion examinations set by the Council. The Council will go through application and once a decision is made you will be notified of the outcome.
When are the exams offered?
Exams are offered thrice every year: April, August and December. Registration generally opens three months before the dates of the examinations. It is however crucial and recommended for prospective candidates to submit their application early to avoid last minute delays in processing applications. Always visit our website to check if the registration process is open. You can also contact the Council Secretariat for further information.
Are there any exemptions offered?
You may apply for exemptions if you are of the opinion that you have acquired sufficient experience in a certain subject that you feel that the writing of the conversion examination on that particular subject will not add any value to you. However, the ultimate decision to grant exemptions rests with the Council which may decide to grant or not to grant an exemption after having objectively assessed your application.
What applications can be completed online?
Please note that the following applications are now being done online: 1. Application for Designation/Exemption (for those seeking to convert a foreign qualification) 2. Application for Exemptions (for holders of both foreign law degrees and local legal qualifications) 3. Application for Conveyancing and Notarial Practice (for registered legal practitioners seeking to professional examinations for registration as Notary Public and Conveyancer. No physical application will be accepted at the CLE Offices.
How do we apply online?
To apply online, visit our website at www.cle.org.zw and click "Application" on the top menu bar. Make sure all copies of Certificates and IDs are Stamped and signed by a Notary Public before uploading on the application portal.
How do I pay Online using Ecocash, Mastercard, VISA, Telecash, Onewallet, Innbucks, Omari
On the menu bar, Click "Information" then click "Make A Payment". Application Fees are as follows: Designation - $60 Exemptions - $60 Notarial Practice & Conveyancing - $60
What should I do after collecting my application response - CONVERSION CANDIDATES
What to do after collecting your application response, for those who have been approved to sit for conversion exams: 1. Request to be added to the CLE Official Group, where you will get access to tutorial, examination and registration updates. 2. For those with exemptions, kindly settle your exemption fees before any exam registrations. 3. Choose the most suitable exam sitting which is convenient for you. 4. Candidates may choose the number of subjects they wish to take at a time. 5. Tutorials are optional. 6. After payment of registration fees, send your Proof of Payment and notification letter on what you intend to sit for to the Exams Coordinator on examinations@cle.org.zw. 7. An email with a link to register on the student portal will be sent back. Follow the link to edit your details. 8. Course outlines will be accesed by registered candidates only 9. Follow instruction on the website on how to obtain a Student ID Make sure to do so before your examinations start. 10. Pay attention to all announcements on the CLE Official groups and website.
What should I do after collecting my application response - NOTARIAL PRACTICE AND CONVEYANCING CANDIDATES
(Please note this is for legal practitioners who are already registered by the High Court of Zimbabwe) What to do after collecting your application response, for those who have been approved to sit for Notarial Practice and Conveyancing professional exams: 1. Request to be added to the Conveyancing & Notarial Practice Group for your sitting, where you will get access to tutorial, examination and registration updates. 2. Kindly settle your examination fees $150 for Conveyancing and $150 for Notarial Practice in order to be registered. 3. Choose the most suitable exam sitting which is convenient for you. 4. Candidates may choose the number of subjects they wish to take at a time. 5. Tutorials are optional. 6. After payment of registration fees, send your Proof of Payment and notification letter on what you intend to sit for to the Exams Coordinator on examinations@cle.org.zw. 7. An email with a link to register on the student portal will be sent back. Follow the link to edit your details. 8. Course outlines will be accesed by registered candidates only 9. Follow instruction on the website on how to obtain a Student ID Make sure to do so before your examinations start. 10. Pay attention to all announcements on the Conveyancing and Notarial Practice Group and website.
ID collection
IDs will be printed in Harare at the CLE Head Office upon request (follow the process as prescribed). COLLECTION - Harare Candidates: IDs can be collected from our Harare Office: No. Number 7, Walterhill Road Eastlea Harare. You will be notified when your ID has been printed. COLLECTION - Bulawayo Candidates: IDs can be collected from our Bulawayo Office, located at No. 58 Exchange Building. Please note that if you wish to collect your ID from the Bulawayo office, you must notify us in advance.